The United States is engaged in diplomacy to prevent conflicts in the Middle East from expanding.

The White House announced that President Joe Biden called Jordan's King Abdullah on Monday and discussed their efforts to deescalate regional tensions.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has described the situation in the Middle East as a critical moment.

In a meeting at the US State Department on Monday, he said, "All parties must refrain from escalation." He also said "escalation is not in anyone's interests" and "will only lead to more conflict, more violence and more insecurity."

Blinken noted that it's critical to break the cycle by reaching a ceasefire in Gaza. He reiterated all parties should aim to reach an agreement through negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

The moves come as Iran blames Israel for the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh during a visit to Iran on July 31 and is showing signs of retaliating against Israel. A militant group backed by Iran is also thought to join a possible attack.

Iran is approaching Muslim countries to seek understanding for its response.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani told reporters on Monday that the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation is expected to convene a meeting at the level of foreign ministers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday at Iran's request.

The OIC has 57 members in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and elsewhere. It has exchanged views about the conflict in Gaza and condemned Israel.

Iran is expected to seek understanding from Islamic states over its expected retaliation against Israel.