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US Secretary of State Blinken talks with Israeli counterpart in one of first diplomatic calls

The two were said to have discussed “regional strategic matters, the Iranian threat and other topics.”

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is sworn in as the 71st U.S. Secretary of State by Acting Under Secretary of State for Management Carol Z. Perez at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 26, 2021. Credit: U.S. Department of State via Wikimedia Commons.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is sworn in as the 71st U.S. Secretary of State by Acting Under Secretary of State for Management Carol Z. Perez at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 26, 2021. Credit: U.S. Department of State via Wikimedia Commons.

In one of his first calls as U.S. secretary of state, Antony Blinken spoke with his counterpart in Israel, Gabi Ashkenazi, on Wednesday.

The two discussed “regional strategic matters, continued to widen the circle of peace, the Iranian threat and other topics,” according to Israel’s Foreign Ministry.

Ashkenazi congratulated Blinken on his confirmation, which took place on Tuesday.

The diplomats agreed to communicate frequently and meet in person when the situation permits given the global coronavirus pandemic.

The Strait of Hormuz has been closed in the wake of the Israeli Air Force’s pummeling of Hezbollah, an IRGC-affiliated news agency reported.
President Trump had the power to “cripple Iran’s entire economy in minutes. But he chose mercy,” the defense secretary said.
“Never underestimate President Trump’s ability to successfully advance America’s interests,” Karoline Leavitt stated.

“If they negotiate in good faith, we will be able to find a deal,” the U.S. vice president said.
The U.S. president hailed the two-week ceasefire agreement with Tehran, suggesting the deal could mark the beginning of a ‘golden age’ in the Middle East.
Pakistan’s prime minister said that diplomatic talks to resolve the conflict will take place in Islamabad.