Following Lebanon’s accusation of Israel killing four civilians in an air raid, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has made an unexpected visit to Iraq amidst concerns that the Israel-Hamas conflict could escalate into a wider regional crisis.
Blinken, who is currently touring the Middle East, met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Sunday. The purpose of the meeting was to seek Baghdad’s assistance in combating attacks on US forces, which Washington has attributed to Iran-backed groups.
After their discussion, Blinken described the talks as “constructive” and stated that the Iraqi Prime Minister, along with his security forces, was taking necessary measures to address the attacks. Blinken emphasized that the issue concerns Iraqi sovereignty, adding that no country wishes to have militia groups engaging in violence.
Al-Sudani, whose government has close ties with Iran but has publicly denounced attacks on US forces, reiterated calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. His office released a statement emphasizing the urgency of containing the crisis and preventing its spread.
The US Pentagon has reported a significant increase in rocket and drone attacks targeting US forces in Iraq and Syria, with many incidents claimed by a group called the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq.” These attacks have surged since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
In response to the escalating death toll from Israel’s military operations against Hamas, the United States has heightened its diplomatic efforts in the region. Blinken’s visit to Iraq comes after Lebanese officials accused Israel of carrying out an air raid that resulted in the deaths of four civilians, including three children, along the tense Lebanon-Israel border.
Hezbollah, an armed group based in Lebanon and supported by Iran, issued a warning that “the enemy will pay the price” for these attacks.
Israel’s military, like Hamas, receives support from Iran, and regular clashes occur along the Lebanon-Israel and Israel-Gaza borders. Israeli officials claim that Hamas’s October 7 attacks killed over 1,430 individuals, primarily civilians.
Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah recently cautioned that a broader regional conflict cannot be ruled out, as long as Israel continues its bombardment of Gaza. Hamas authorities in Gaza report a death toll of at least 9,770 people.
Following his visit to Iraq, Blinken arrived in Turkey on Sunday night, where he is expected to hold discussions with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan. Meanwhile, the Iran-backed group Kataib Hezbollah has warned of an “unprecedented escalation” in response to Blinken’s visit.
On Monday, Prime Minister al-Sudani is set to embark on a regional tour, visiting Iran and various Gulf nations.