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Added on the 06/08/2024 23:44:52 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
The United States has not been "not involved in any offensive operations", US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says following reports that Israel had carried out revenge strikes on Iran. "On the first question, the reports that you've seen: I'm not going to speak to that except to say that the United States has not been involved in any offensive operations", Blinken tells a journalist at a press conference on the Italian island of Capri, adding that the G7 is focused on its "work to de-escalate from any potential conflict" in the Middle East. IMAGES
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has asked China's foreign minister and other counterparts to use their influence to dissuade Iran from striking Israel, the State Department says. Blinken spoke by telephone to his Chinese, Turkish, Saudi and European counterparts "to make clear that escalation is not in anyone's interest and that countries should urge Iran not to escalate," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller tells reporters. SOUNDBITE
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urges Middle East rivals to agree to a Gaza ceasefire to "break this cycle" of violence, urging de-escalation as Iran prepares a potential strike on Israel. "Escalation is not in anyone's interests. It will only lead to more conflict, more violence, more insecurity. It's also critical that we break this cycle by reaching a ceasefire in Gaza," Blinken tells reporters. SOUNDBITE
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in calls Monday urged all sides in the Middle East to avoid "escalation," his spokesman says, as fears grew of an imminent Iranian counterattack on Israel. "It's important that all parties take steps over the coming days to refrain from escalation and calm tensions," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller tells reporters, describing Blinken's telephone calls in the region. SOUNDBITE
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken tells Gulf Cooperation Council ministers during a meeting in Riyadh that Iran's confrontation with Israel showed the need for greater defence integration. SOUNDBITE
Supporters of Zambian President Lungu hold a rally in Lusaka during a tense presidential race, which has been marked by clashes between rival supporters. The presidential election will take place on Thursday. IMAGES.