U.S. Doesn't Want War With Iran But Will Defend Itself, Blinken Tells UN

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the UN Security Council on October 24 that Washington does not seek conflict with Iran but warned that the United States would act swiftly and decisively if Iran or its proxies attack U.S. personnel anywhere. Blinken spoke to the council amid international fears the conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by the EU and the United States, in the Gaza Strip could turn into a wider war. Blinken also called on all member states to send a united message to any state or nonstate actor considering opening another front not to “throw fuel on the fire.”