Blinken Takes Action on Iran-Backed Terrorism and Israel-Hamas Conflict

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an unannounced visit to Baghdad, where he met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani to discuss the risks of escalation in Israel's war with Hamas. Blinken condemned the attacks by Iran-backed militias on military bases hosting US forces in Iraq and Syria, stating that they were "totally unacceptable." He reiterated the US commitment to protecting its personnel and accused Iran of having a hand in the attacks. Meanwhile, Iraq's prime minister called for a ceasefire in Gaza and described Israel's military operation as a "genocide" against Palestinians. Blinken's visit was met with protests in Baghdad, with supporters of Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr burning Israeli and US flags.