We expect that there's a likelihood of escalation, escalation by Iranian proxies directed

against our forces, directed against our personnel.

We are taking steps to make sure that we can effectively defend our people and respond decisively if we need to.

This is not what we want, not what we're looking for. We don't want escalation.

We don't want to see a second or third front develop.

We don't want to see our forces or our personnel come under fire. But if that happens, we're ready for it.

Secretary St. Anthony Blaken making it clear the United States will respond to any provocation

from Iran connected to the Israel-Humas War. It comes as Israel's defense forces are

expanding airstrikes in Gaza. We'll get the latest with a live report from Israel

straight ahead. Plus Plus new reporting on how President Biden and

other U.S. officials helped delay the ground invasion of the territory.

Also ahead, we'll dig into the Republican-led dysfunction on

Capitol Hill. There are now several candidates hoping to become House

Speaker after Jim Jordan's failed bid.

And we'll get you expert legal analysis on Donald Trump's violation of the gag order in his civil fraud trial,

as well as another new guilty plea deal from one of his

co-defendants in the Georgia case. Good morning and welcome to

Morning Joe and the news just doesn't stop over the weekend.

It's Monday, October 23rd.

And with us we have the host of way too early.

White House Bureau Chief at Politico, Jonathan Lemir,

former aide to the George W W Bush White House and State Department,

...