Antony Blinken postpones trip to the Middle East amid concern of Iran retaliation: report

Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday reportedly postponed a scheduled trip to the Middle East amid heightened tensions in the area and a possible attack on Israel by Iran.

The delayed trip was intended to include discussions on a potential ceasefire later this week, which is still expected to continue. The secretary was expected to visit Israel, Egypt, and Qatar before discussing the ceasefire agreement Aug. 15. It is not clear when the trip will now take place.

Iran has threatened retaliation for the death of a Hamas leader who was allegedly killed by Israel in Tehran last month. Israel has not claimed credit for the attack, but did admit to killing a Hezbollah leader in Lebanon.

U.S. officials have warned the retaliatory attack could occur sometime this week. However, Hamas fired two of its own rockets at Tel Aviv on Tuesday, according to Fox News. European leaders have encouraged Iran to limit its response to the attack as ceasefire negotiations are underway.

The United States has been sending resources to the Middle East after it promised to defend Israel, with the Defense Department ordering a guided missile submarine to the region on Monday. It has also sent F-22 fighter jets, and the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group to replace a different strike group. 

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.