US passes message to Iran not to escalate at 'critical moment' for Middle East

The United States, through diplomatic channels, has been urging other countries to tell Iran that escalating tensions in the Middle East is not in their interest, as relayed by a State Department spokesperson on Monday. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the urgency, calling it a "critical moment" for the region. Washington is actively engaged in intensive diplomacy to calm tensions amid fears of Iran preparing a retaliatory strike against Israel.