Blinken: US not involved in Iranian strike, seeks de-escalation

• Published date: 19 April 2024
• Author: TOVAH LAZAROFF
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

"The United States has not been involved in any offensive operations," he said after he was asked about the Israeli strike against Iranian Air Force assets at Isfahan in central Iran early Friday morning

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani clarified for reporters in a separate press conference that the US was informed at the last moment that the attack would take place.

Tajani stressed as Blinken had, that Washington was not involved.

Italy, he said, has spoken with Iran about the importance of de-escalation.

Retaliation for Iran's attack

The strike in Isfahan comes less than one week after the US — along with the armies of Israel, Jordan, France, and Great Britain — successfully defended the Jewish state against an Iranian-launched attack of over 300 drones and missiles.

The US and Western powers have since urged Israel to constrain its response, as Israel has insisted that it must strike back because such a missile attack can not be normalized.

"The United States along with our partners will continue to work for de-escalation," Blinken said.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock visited Israel on Wednesday to...