State Department spokesman’s double-speak in responding to questions on Iran’s retaliation for Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – In the wake of recent tensions following the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, senior US officials have reiterated their commitment to support Israel’s military capabilities in the region. At the same time, officials have talked of measures to prevent escalation of the conflict.
Speaking at a press briefing, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel addressed questions about the current situation. A journalist questioned Patel about Washington’s expectations regarding Iran’s response to the killing of Haniyeh. The inquiry pressed for clarity on whether the US anticipates retaliation from Tehran and how it plans to address the escalating tensions. Patel responded by emphasising the US’s stance on supporting Israel and its military capabilities in the region.
“We are committed to helping Israel defend itself,” Patel stated, highlighting the US’s deployment of robust military support. “At the same time, we continue to work diplomatically to prevent any major escalation of this (Mideast) conflict.”
Patel also discussed the ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at finalising a ceasefire deal. Over the past week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been actively involved in discussions with international counterparts to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza and facilitate de-escalation. “Secretary Blinken has been engaged in calls with his counterparts discussing the need to finalise a ceasefire deal and to work towards de-escalation,” Patel confirmed.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Recent comments from Hamas cast doubt on the continuation of ceasefire talks, leading to concerns about the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts. Patel addressed these concerns, stating, “I’m aware of those comments from Hamas and we fully expect talks to move forward as they should.”
The US official declined to speculate on the specifics of the situation or the potential for a more subdued response from Hamas, noting the complexity of the ongoing negotiations. “I’m just not going to get into intelligence assessments or operational matters,” Patel remarked.
Efforts to engage all parties in the ceasefire process continue, with an emphasis on bringing all negotiators back to the table. “We believe our partners in Egypt and Qatar are emphasising to Hamas that the onus is on them to agree to a ceasefire,” Patel stated. The US is working closely with regional partners to address the gaps in the negotiations and achieve a resolution.
As the situation develops, the international community remains hopeful that a resolution can be reached that addresses the immediate need for a ceasefire and the broader goal of achieving lasting peace in the region.
