US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has embarked on his fourth diplomatic mission to the Middle East in Turkey, raising concerns of a potential wider conflict amid Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza. Mr. Blinken’s visit comes amidst escalating tensions in Lebanon, northern Israel, the Red Sea, and Iraq, presenting challenges to the US in its efforts to prevent regional turmoil. During his discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Blinken addressed the need for regional actors to exert influence, particularly on Iran and its proxies, to ease tensions, expedite humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza, and initiate plans for post-war reconstruction and governance in the region.
The already complex situation was further highlighted as Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia from Lebanon, launched numerous rockets at northern Israel just hours before Blinken’s meeting with Erdogan. Hezbollah warned that the attack was a response to the targeted killing of a top Hamas leader in Lebanon, presumably by Israel. Additionally, increased attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have disrupted international trade and prompted heightened efforts from the US and its allies to monitor the situation and respond to threats, potentially including direct action against the rebels in Yemen.
In Istanbul, American officials emphasized the importance of securing Turkey’s support, including financial or in-kind contributions, for the reconstruction efforts in Gaza. Furthermore, Blinken intends to stress the significance of Turkey ratifying Sweden’s membership in NATO, a process that has been delayed but is expected to be completed soon. Sweden’s accession to NATO is viewed as a crucial response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan conveyed his concerns about Israel’s increasing aggression in Gaza, labeling it a threat to the region. He called for an immediate ceasefire and the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid. Fidan also emphasized the need to initiate negotiations for a two-state solution promptly.
Following his visit to Turkey, Blinken will travel to Greece to meet with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Mitsotakis and his government have been supportive of US efforts to prevent the escalation of the Gaza conflict and have expressed their willingness to provide assistance if the situation worsens. The delayed delivery of advanced American fighter jets to Greece has been linked to the resolution of Sweden’s NATO membership with Turkey.
Jordan will be the first Arab nation visited by Blinken on his current tour, with subsequent stops in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. The trip will conclude with visits to Israel and the West Bank before ending in Egypt.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stated that not every conversation on the trip would be easy. Despite the difficulties, Blinken is committed to leading diplomatic efforts to address the region’s challenges head-on.
In addition to urging Israel to increase humanitarian aid, refrain from intense military operations, and curb violence against Palestinians by Jewish settler groups in the West Bank, Blinken will also encourage participation from reluctant Gulf Arab nations in shaping Gaza’s future.
As Secretary Blinken engages in crucial discussions throughout his Middle East tour, the global community anxiously awaits developments and hopes for meaningful progress toward de-escalation, humanitarian assistance, and stability in the region.
