Glembert
KN. “We are working very hard and making progress on reaching understandings of what would be required to be effective implementation of the Security Council Resolution 1701,” Secretary Blinken told reporters at a news conference in Washington. Highlighting his recent visit to the Middle East, Blinken said there was a growing understanding among the parties on what agreements needed to be reached.
While acknowledging that further efforts were needed, Blinken said that they would continue to work toward a diplomatic solution, including through a cease-fire, to end the tensions.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reassured his Israeli counterpart of Washington’s readiness to defend Tel Aviv against Iran, the Pentagon said. In talks with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Austin “reaffirmed that the United States remains fully prepared to defend U.S. personnel, Israel, and partners across the region against threats from Iran and Iran-backed proxy groups,” according to a Pentagon statement. The Pentagon said Austin also emphasized U.S. support for a diplomatic solution in Lebanon that would enable civilians on both sides of the country’s shared border with Israel to return home safely.
The United States will deploy B-52 bombers, fighter jets, refueling aircraft, and Navy destroyers to the Middle East as part of a realignment of military assets as the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln prepares to leave the region. Pentagon spokesman Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder said that the deployment will take place over the coming months as an effort to demonstrate the flexibility of U.S. military movements around the world. He continued that if Iran uses this moment to target U.S. personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every action necessary to defend its citizens.
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