US Vice President Anthony Blinken made an unexpected trip to Iraq after visiting Saudi Arabia, according to reports from CNN. During his visit to Turkey, Blinken is expected to have discussions with Turkish officials about the ongoing situation between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been vocal in his condemnation of Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip, describing them as “acts of genocide against humanity.” Despite the tensions between Iran and pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, Blinken’s visit to the country proceeded as planned, although it was speculated that it could further escalate the situation. As part of his visit to Iraq, the Vice President had a meeting with Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, which lasted over an hour.