"I won't speak to the reports that you've seen, except to say that the United States has not been involved in any offensive operations," Blinken said at a press conference Friday at the conclusion of a meeting with Faure in Italy. Ministers of G7 countries.

He was responding to a reporter's question seeking confirmation of media reports that Washington was considering a strike against Iran in response to Tehran's attack on Israel last week, Xinhua news agency reported. Advance warning was received from Israel on Thursday about the impending attack.

"What we're focused on, what the G7 is focused on, and again, it's reflected in our statements and our conversations, is our job is to de-escalate, de-escalate any potential conflict," Blinken said. Have to reduce." What was the first public comment on the Israeli attack by a Cabinet member of US President Joe Biden's administration?

What Blinken declined to address during that round of questions and answers was the White House's assessment of whether the Israeli attacks had ended and whether Iran would retaliate.

Earlier on Friday, Iran's air defense systems shot down several "flying objects" near the central city of Isfahan, according to the semi-official Fars new agency.

The Israeli side has not yet made any announcement regarding the attack.