"Blinken Engages in Critical Mideast Diplomacy Amid Escalating Tensions"
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned against the spread of conflict in the Middle East during meetings with Turkish and Greek leaders. In Istanbul, discussions with President Erdoğan and Foreign Minister Fidan focused on the Gaza war, humanitarian aid, and a two-state solution, alongside NATO expansion and the F-16 fighter jet deal. Blinken's trip also includes visits to several Middle Eastern countries to address regional peace and security as tensions escalate with the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and increased militant activity in the region.