Blinken's Surprise Visit to Iraq Raises Concerns of Escalating Regional Conflict

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an unannounced visit to Iraq as part of his Middle East tour, seeking Baghdad's assistance in curbing attacks on US forces blamed on Iran-backed groups. Blinken held talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, emphasizing the importance of preventing militia groups from engaging in violent activities. The visit comes amid fears that the Israel-Hamas conflict could escalate into a broader regional conflict. Lebanese officials accused Israel of killing four civilians in an air raid, prompting warnings from Hezbollah that the enemy would pay the price. Blinken's visit to Turkey is expected to be met with an "unprecedented escalation" by the Iran-backed group Kataib Hezbollah.