Blinken-'Greater Premium Than Ever On US Partnership'

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in conversation with Thomas Friedman at the WEF in Davos (livestream here). Blinken says that he "acknowledges the potential for regionalisation in the Middle East. The challenge lies in effectively realizing this opportunity." Says that he is hearing from virtually every Middle Eastern nation that they want the US 'at the table' in dealing with issues in the region, adding that there is a 'greater premium than ever on a US partnership'.

• On the situation in the Palestinian territories, says that "A Palestinian state needs a gov't structure that gives people what they want and works with Israel to be effective."
• Blinken: 'We are at it relentlessly' in trying to de-escalate the war in Gaza.
• Agrees w/moderator that tearing up the Iran nuclear agreement was a 'big mistake'.
• UK gov't also confirms that Blinken will hold a meeting with British Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron during the WEF. Meeting comes a day after the US military launched a second set of airstrikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen on 16 Jan in response to attacks on shipping. UK had participated in previous strikes over the weekend.