Austin says Middle East war not inevitable, seeks to 'take temperature down'

31/7/2024 17:37

        U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Wednesday he did not think a wider war in the Middle East was inevitable and that the United States was seeking to cool rising regional tensions, but remained steadfast in its defence of Israel if attacked.
        
        The remarks by Austin come after Israel claimed on Tuesday to have killed the Hezbollah commander who it said was behind a deadly strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. They also follow the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran on Wednesday.
        
        "I don't think war is inevitable. I maintain that. I think there's always room and opportunities for diplomacy," Austin told reporters during a visit to the Philippines.
        
        "What we have seen along the border, northern border, with Israel over time that's been a concern of ours.
        
        "Again, We are going to give everything we can to make sure that we keep things from turning in to a broader conflict throughout the region."
        
        Asked also if he could confirm details about the killing of Haniyeh, Austin said: "I don't have any additional information to provide".