US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Israel next week amid heightened regional tensions and growing speculation over potential US military action against Iran.
Rubio is scheduled to visit Israel from March 2-3, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said.
“The Secretary will discuss a range of regional priorities, including Iran, Lebanon, and ongoing efforts to implement President Trump’s 20-Point Peace Plan for Gaza,” Pigott added.
The visit comes as attention centers on President Donald Trump and whether he will authorize a new round of strikes against Iran. Trump has repeatedly threatened military action following Iran’s deadly crackdown on nationwide anti-regime protests earlier this year.
At the same time, senior US envoys have held meetings with Iranian officials in recent weeks in an effort to reach a diplomatic agreement and avert military confrontation. Washington is pressing Tehran to dismantle its nuclear program, curb its ballistic missile development, and end support for regional proxy groups, including Hamas and Hezbollah.
Iran has rejected the broader demands, insisting that discussions focus solely on its nuclear program.
Speculation over possible military action has intensified after the US deployed additional military assets to the region, including two aircraft carriers, fighter jets, and air defense systems.
The State Department has also ordered the departure of non-essential personnel and family members from multiple US diplomatic missions in the region, including Lebanon and Israel.
European governments have taken similar precautions. The United Kingdom withdrew staff from its embassy in Iran on Friday, citing the security situation.
Open-source footage circulating online has also appeared to show US refueling aircraft and fighter jets positioned in Israel.
