Diplomatic Efforts Intensify to Prevent Wider Middle East Conflict

Diplomats across the Middle East are working tirelessly to contain escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, as fears of a broader conflict loom following Iran's vow for revenge over the killing of senior Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on its soil.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered the deployment of more combat aircraft and missile-defense warships to the Middle East in response to threats against Israel from Iran and its proxies. President Biden has convened his national security team to discuss the developments and has spoken with King Abdullah II of Jordan, according to a White House statement.

Tomorrow, foreign ministers from Islamic countries will gather in Saudi Arabia for an "extraordinary" meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The meeting, called to address "the continued crimes of the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people," will also discuss the implications of Haniyeh’s killing, the organization said in a statement.