US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told NBC News, on Sunday, that Washington blamed Iran and its alleged "proxies in the region" for the potential of an escalation in the ongoing war claiming that the US was not looking for any such escalations.

Blinken also noted that Washington hoped for more US captives, held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, to be released.

It is important to note that what Blinken made reference to as "proxies" are in fact Resistance groups fighting for their basic right to life, liberty, and property, in the face of the Israeli and US occupation forces across occupied Palestine and the Arab world.

Significantly, Blinken also told Israeli media that "Israel was honest with us, and we are of the same opinion," adding, "No one wants another front with Lebanon."

On his part, the US Department of Defense reaffirmed Blinken's statement, saying there's a possibility of a "significant escalation" of attacks against US troops and citizens across the region.

Read more: "Israel" intensifies Gaza strikes, Pentagon deploys THAAD systems

According to Lloyd Austin, the US Defense Secretary, who spoke to ABC's This Week, "We're seeing a prospect of a significant escalation of attacks on our troops and people throughout the region," stressing that Washington will take "appropriate action" in response to any such escalations.

"If any group or any country is looking to widen this conflict and take advantage of this very unfortunate situation that we see, our advice is: don't," said Austin following a Pentagon announcement that the US will be increasing its presence, and thus spending, in the region.

The US, who has been reportedly told it is unwelcome in Syria and Iraq, had its Defense Secretary announce, "We maintain the right to defend ourselves and we won't hesitate to take the appropriate action," amid repeated strikes on their occupation bases in Syria and Iraq. 

US weapons pour into 'Israel' despite ongoing war crimes in Gaza

As of this moment, 45 cargo planes transporting weapons from the US to "Israel" have been confirmed to have been received by the Israeli occupation forces, according to information released by the Israeli Security Ministry.

Among the military aid sent were "around 1,000 tons of armaments," military vehicles and supplies, medical equipment, and military ambulances, according to a post on X.

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group aircraft carrier is making its way into the Mediterranean to support the Israeli aggression on #Gaza. pic.twitter.com/o7dvP61neW

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 10, 2023

Read more: US proposes to UN "Israel's" right to self-defense