Blinken's Renewed Warning to the Islamic Republic at the Security Council Meeting; Our Response Will Be 'Swift and Decisive' in Case of Attack

Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, once again warned the Islamic Republic and its proxy forces during a United Nations Security Council meeting in New York that if Tehran or its proxies attack American forces anywhere, Washington will defend its troops and security 'swiftly and decisively.' Blinken made these remarks at a special Security Council session held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, in New York, attended by foreign ministers from member countries who discussed their views on the recent conflict between Israel and Palestinians. Blinken referred to instances of the brutal violence of Hamas militants who are killing children and civilians, calling for the global community to condemn this 'barbaric attack.' He stated, 'We must affirm the right of every nation to defend itself and prevent such harm from recurring. No member of this council, no country in this organization, can tolerate or accept the slaughter of its people.' He emphasized that 'the life of every civilian is equally valuable. There is no hierarchy when it comes to protecting civilian lives. A civilian is a civilian, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, age, gender, or religion.' He added that the number of Americans killed during Hamas's October 7 attack in Israel has risen to 33. Blinken reminded that 'Hamas does not represent the Palestinians, and Palestinian civilians are not responsible for Hamas's massacre.' The U.S. Secretary of State affirmed Israel's right to defend itself while calling for the protection of Palestinian civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. He referenced a proposed resolution put forward by the United States, stating that 'the new resolution includes essential feedback we have received from other council members in recent days.' Blinken urged Security Council members to do everything they can to prevent the escalation of this conflict in the region. He said, 'We urge all member countries to send a clear and united message to any state or non-state actor considering opening another front in this conflict against Israel or targeting Israel's partners, including the U.S., not to fuel this fire.' Blinken added that the Islamic Republic has been supporting Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other groups that attack Israel for years. He noted that Iranian leaders continuously state they will wipe Israel off the map. He mentioned that Iranian proxy groups have attacked American forces in Iraq and Syria in recent weeks while fighting ISIS. Blinken stressed that the U.S. is not seeking conflict with Iran or an escalation of this war but warned that if Tehran or its proxies attack American forces anywhere, Washington will 'swiftly and decisively' defend its troops and security. In the closing part of his remarks, Blinken emphasized the importance of diplomacy in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian disputes, stating that the two-state solution has been President Joe Biden's option from the very beginning. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Tor Wennesland, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, and Lynn Hastings, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Palestinian territories, were among other speakers at the UN Security Council meeting. Riyad al-Maliki, the Palestinian Authority's foreign minister, called for an immediate halt to Israeli attacks, highlighting the heavy toll on civilians, especially children and women in Gaza. He added that security and peace cannot be established while children are being killed and homes are being destroyed. Eli Cohen, Israel's foreign minister, emphasized Israel's right to destroy the terrorist group Hamas by providing examples of the brutal killing of Israeli civilians by Hamas fighters. He further criticized Qatar and especially the Islamic Republic as supporters of Hamas, accusing Tehran of attempting to disrupt peace, stability, and the improvement of relations among regional countries. During the deadly attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel on October 7, at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians, were killed. The Hamas attack was met with a response from Israel, which has targeted Palestinian militant group centers in various areas of Gaza during the past days and nights while Hamas militants and their supporting groups, including Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah, continue to launch rockets into various areas of Israel. According to Palestinian officials, more than five thousand Palestinians have been killed in the recent two weeks of Israeli attacks on Gaza. The intensification of U.S. military oversight in the Middle East coincides with increasing threats. Blinken met with leaders of Jewish, Arab, and Palestinian American communities in the United States. Macron called for an international coalition in Israel to fight 'terrorist groups in the region.' Israel stated that the war for the 'destruction' of Hamas continues. The U.S. warned passing ships in the Red Sea following missile and drone attacks by the Houthis. The Emir of Qatar criticized giving a 'green light' to Israel. The Israeli army attacked 400 targets in Gaza. Macron, in a meeting with Herzog, stated that France stands with Israel. The President of the World Bank expressed concern over the impact of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas on the international economy. Tehran-backed groups are planning to intensify attacks against American forces in the Middle East.