U.S. Secretary of State's Talks with Jordanian and Egyptian Counterparts; Emphasis on Preventing Escalation of Tensions in the Region by the Islamic Republic

On Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held separate calls with Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, emphasizing the need to prevent the escalation of tensions in the region by the Islamic Republic of Iran. Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, announced that Blinken discussed multilateral efforts to promote stability in the region during his call with Shoukry, reiterating that Iran's escalation of tensions would benefit no one in the region. According to Miller, Blinken also stressed the necessity of continuing diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace during his conversation with Safadi. The spokesperson noted that Blinken expressed gratitude to Jordan and Egypt for facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza and called for ongoing efforts to increase humanitarian assistance, protect civilians, and achieve an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages. On Thursday, April 23, Miller stated that Blinken had sent a message to Tehran through phone calls with the foreign ministers of China, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, urging them to refrain from increasing tensions in the region. Blinken's calls with his counterparts in Arab and Middle Eastern countries come amid reports from numerous global news agencies on Friday about an imminent Iranian attack on Israeli interests. U.S. President Joe Biden also responded to a question from reporters on Friday, April 24, regarding the timing and location of a potential Iranian attack on Israeli interests, saying, 'I don’t want to disclose classified information, but this attack will happen sooner or later.' Israel is prepared to counter potential retaliatory attacks from the Islamic Republic. In a blog post, Israel warned the people of Lebanon: 'We will confront Hezbollah's continued escalation with full force.' Prince Reza Pahlavi warned Ali Khamenei to stop his 'foolishness' and not to lead Iran into war. CBS News reported that the Iranian government might attack Israel on Friday with over 100 drones and dozens of missiles. Biden warned the Islamic Republic: 'Don’t do this, you will not succeed.' U.S. lawmakers reacted to the threats from the Islamic Republic, stating, 'We stand with Israel.' The risk of a retaliatory attack from the Islamic Republic has led Germany to urge its citizens to leave Iran. The European Union has sanctioned the military branches of Hamas and Islamic Jihad due to 'sexual and gender-based violence' in their attacks on Israel.