U.S. Secretary of State Rubio still planning to travel to Israel but schedule subject to change - senior State Department official

U.S. Secretary of State Rubio still planning to travel to Israel but schedule subject to change - senior State Department official

U.S. Secretary of State Rubio’s Israel Visit Remains Planned Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is still scheduled to travel to Israel next week to brief Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, according to a senior State Department official. The planned meeting, set for February 28, aims to align U.S. and Israeli positions ahead of potential developments in indirect talks between Washington and Tehran. However, the timeline remains fluid due to evolving military and diplomatic considerations.

Recent U.S.-Iran discussions in Geneva have seen limited progress, with Iran agreeing to draft a written proposal addressing U.S. concerns about its nuclear program. Despite cautious optimism from both sides, U.S. Vice President JD Vance noted that "red lines" set by President Donald Trump—such as Iran's ballistic missile development and regional proxy support— remain unmet. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has escalated military deployments to the Middle East, including the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, fighter jets, and support aircraft, raising concerns about potential conflict escalation.

A separate report indicated that Rubio's visit to Israel was postponed from Saturday to Monday to accommodate U.S. preparations for possible military action against Iran. While the delay underscores heightened operational readiness, officials have not confirmed whether the trip will proceed as planned. Netanyahu recently urged Trump to ensure any nuclear deal also addresses Iran's missile program and regional funding for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.

For financial markets, the situation highlights risks of prolonged geopolitical tension, which could impact energy prices, trade routes, and regional investment. Military buildups and sanctions-related pressures may also influence global risk appetite. Investors are advised to monitor updates on the nuclear talks and potential shifts in U.S. policy toward Iran.

As of February 23, 2026, no official statement has been released confirming changes to Rubio's itinerary. The administration's focus remains on balancing diplomatic engagement with contingency planning, reflecting broader uncertainties in the region.