Foreign Minister Blinken Ensures US Encourages Diplomacy To Prevent Middle East Conflicts From Expanding

JAKARTA - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US would be intensely involved in preventing a wider conflict in the Middle East due to growing fears that Israel's war with Iranian proxies could escalate to a full-scale regional war.

"We are working very hard, through prevention and diplomacy to prevent that from happening," Blinken told reporters at a meeting of Asian leaders in Laos on Friday, October 11.

Blinken also said he was concerned about the lack of assistance for the people in Gaza. He promised the US would communicate with Israel about the importance of addressing humanitarian needs in Palestine.

As for Lebanon, Blinken stressed the need for a diplomatic solution in Lebanon, amid an Israeli ground attack in the country's south and increased airstrikes while fighting Hezbollah.

Blinken also expressed his support for a stronger Lebanese country to rise from conflict.

"It is clear that the people of Lebanon have a strong interest in a country that asserts itself and takes responsibility for the country and its future," he said.