The United States and France warned against the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and French Foreign Minister Stéphane Sejourné discussed the situation in the Middle East. This was reported by State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.

The Secretary (Blinken - ed.) and the Foreign Minister discussed ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire to ensure the release of hostages and increase humanitarian assistance to Gaza, as well as the importance of preventing further escalation of the conflict in the Middle East and the challenges associated with threats from Iran" - reads a statement from the State Department.

On the eve, U.S. President Joe Biden expressed hope that Iran would refrain from escalation despite the threat of retaliation for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Answering journalists' questions, Biden said he hopes for this but cannot be sure.

Deployment of U.S. troops in the Middle East

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin signed orders to move additional forces to the Middle East and some parts of Europe following a threat of retaliation from Tehran for the killing of the top Hezbollah commander and political leader of Hamas on Iranian soil.

The U.S. will send the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group to the Middle East, as well as naval ships with missile defense systems. Additionally, an extra squadron of fighters will be deployed.

The movement of military capabilities is aimed at strengthening U.S. defense, supporting Israel, and ensuring readiness to respond to contingencies.

Source: Voice of America