US ​Gathering Information on Explosions ⁤in Lebanon and Syria

The United States⁤ announced ‌that it is gathering ‌information about the explosions that occurred in ‍Lebanon and Syria, according to​ reports ‌from The Associated Press and the Guardian.

US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller ⁢stated, “The United States was not involved in this⁣ incident,” and added, “The United States ⁢had no prior knowledge of ⁣this incident.” He also mentioned that the US is currently gathering information about the incident.

A spokesman for Miller referred to the matter as ‌an “incident” rather than⁣ an “assault,” as⁢ reported by CNN. Miller did not provide‍ any information about the US’s current‍ assessment of the situation or whether Israel is ⁤responsible.

Hezbollah and Lebanon Blame Israel for Attacks

Hezbollah and Lebanon have blamed⁣ Israel for the attacks, which resulted in⁢ approximately 2,800 injuries‍ and at least​ nine⁤ fatalities in ⁣simultaneous⁣ explosions, according to Lebanon’s health minister. ‌The Israeli army has⁤ not issued a separate statement ​or comment on the matter.

Miller​ expressed caution and‍ did not confirm whether the United States would conduct ‌its own assessment, stating, “We cannot make any​ assessments at this time.”

US‍ Urges Iran ⁣Not to Retaliate

When asked about the ​possibility of Iran retaliating, given reports that Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon was‌ wounded, Miller said he did not ​want to ‌speculate until those reports were confirmed.

“I don’t want to prejudge what we’re going to ‌say over the next ​few days,” ‍he said. ​”I’ve seen the reports. I do⁢ not want to say what the implications will‍ be until the reports are confirmed. However, as ‍always, we urge Iran ‍not to use any incident or instability to add further⁣ instability⁤ and further increase tensions in ⁢the region.”

US Believes Diplomatic ⁢Solution is Necessary

Miller reiterated that the United States believes a⁢ diplomatic solution is⁤ needed to resolve the⁢ conflict with ⁤Hezbollah in northern ⁤Israel. He emphasized the importance of Israel ​and Hamas reaching a truce to make a diplomatic solution in the north easier.

“Without⁣ a solution to the Gaza conflict, without ‌a ceasefire in Gaza, it’s very, very difficult to get a diplomatic solution in the‌ north,” he said. “The ​reason we keep pushing for a ceasefire is because it will help us reach a solution (diplomatic) much easier.”

White⁤ House press⁢ secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also ⁣stated,​ “The United States continues to believe that a diplomatic solution to the ‍current ​conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is necessary.”

Pentagon ⁢Denies Involvement

The Pentagon ⁢denied any involvement in the ⁢explosion in Lebanon, with ‍spokesman Patrick Ryder stating, ​”As⁤ far as I ​know, the United States has absolutely no involvement ⁣in this incident.”