The US will hold Iran accountable for any aggression, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a press conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Soltenberg. Blinken emphasized the US’ focus on its core objectives in the region and its commitment to protecting US troops from attacks while working to prevent the conflict from spreading. He stated that the US will respond to Iran at a “time and place” of its choosing, indicating a multi-level and sustained response. Blinken also highlighted Iran’s responsibility for destabilizing the region and threatening stability and security through its proxy groups. Soltenberg welcomed the US’ efforts to address these risks and pointed out the unpredictable and dangerous nature of a world without rules.