60th Munich Security Conference; US Emphasis on the Need to Counter the Islamic Republic and Its Proxy Groups

Prominent politicians, military officials, and diplomats from around the world have gathered for three days starting Friday, February 16, at the 60th Munich Security Conference to discuss major issues such as the Israel-Hamas war, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and concerns about America's commitment to defending its allies. Among the high-profile participants at this year's conference are Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, Olaf Scholz, the Chancellor of Germany, Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel, and Mohammad Shtayyeh, the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority. In her speech on Friday, Kamala Harris emphasized the need to counter the Islamic Republic of Iran and its proxy groups, prevent escalation of tensions throughout the region, and strengthen cooperation among regional governments. Regarding the Israel-Hamas war, she stated that ensuring Israel's security and the freedom of hostages, resolving the ongoing humanitarian crisis, preventing Hamas from regaining control over Gaza, and allowing Palestinians to enjoy freedom, dignity, and the right to self-determination are the goals of the Biden administration. The US Vice President also strongly criticized 'isolationism' and 'autocracy,' asserting that President Biden's 'sacred commitment' to NATO 'remains ironclad.' She condemned recent verbal attacks on NATO and warned that if the US and its allies do not hold Putin accountable for his warmongering, all of Europe will face threats. Kamala Harris also expressed sorrow over the death of Alexei Navalny, stating that the Russian government is responsible for his death. For the second consecutive year, the Munich Security Conference officials refrained from inviting officials from the Islamic Republic and Russia. Last year, due to the suppression of protesters by the Islamic Republic's officials, opposition figures were invited, and this year, journalist and human rights activist Masih Alinejad is participating and is scheduled to speak on Saturday. Sara Damavandan, a reporter for the Persian section of Voice of America, reported from Munich that in the coming days, opponents of the Islamic Republic will hold protests on the sidelines of the conference. Wang Yi, the Chinese Foreign Minister, is attending this year's conference on behalf of China and is expected to meet with Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State. Israel Katz, the Israeli Foreign Minister, stated at the Munich Security Conference on Friday that the world must pressure the Islamic Republic and Hezbollah to move away from the southern border of Lebanon and that UN Security Council Resolution 1701 must be implemented. He warned that if efforts to reach a solution to reduce tensions do not succeed, Israel will have no choice but to eliminate the 'terrorist' group Hezbollah from the shared border. In another part of his speech, the Israeli Foreign Minister stated that his country does not intend to expel Palestinians from Gaza. Regarding the clashes in Rafah, he said that Israel cannot leave Hamas to its own devices in Rafah and must continue to fight them. Katz warned that if diplomatic efforts fail, there will be no choice but to remove Hezbollah from the border with Lebanon. Senior Biden administration officials emphasize America's commitment to the security of its allies. There has been widespread reaction to the death of Alexei Navalny in prison; Biden stated that Putin is responsible for his death.