Rubio plans Israel trip as Trump says he’s ‘not happy’ with US-Iran talks | Donald Trump News
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Visit Israel Amid Concerns over Iran Negotiations
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to travel to Israel next week as President Donald Trump publicly expresses dissatisfaction with ongoing negotiations with Iran. The trip is scheduled for March 2-3 and will focus on U.S. relations with Iran and Lebanon, as well as the implementation of Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza.
This marks Rubio’s fifth visit to Israel since assuming the role of Secretary of State. His previous visits included trips in February 2025, as well as September and twice in October of last year.
Details surrounding this diplomatic mission remain limited, but the timing is notable given the current climate in the Middle East. Earlier this week, the U.S. and Iran engaged in a third round of indirect talks in Switzerland regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Another round of discussions is planned in Austria on the day Rubio arrives in Israel.
In a public appearance on the White House lawn, Trump expressed frustration over the slow pace of negotiations. “I’m not happy with the fact that they’re not willing to give us what we have to have,” he said. Trump added that while he prefers not to use military force, he remains open to intervention if necessary.
Concerns are growing that military action against Iran may be on the table, heightening fears of broader regional conflict. Concurrently, U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee conveyed to embassy staff in Israel that they may leave the country due to increased safety risks associated with terrorism and civil unrest. Huckabee advised that those considering departure should do so promptly but reassured there was “no need to panic.”
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem acknowledged the authorization for personnel to leave and cited “safety risks” as the cause for the recommendation.
Amid these developments, tensions remain high as worries persist regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Since January, the Trump administration has reportedly increased its military presence in the region, deploying two aircraft carriers to waters near Iran.
Trump has frequently alluded to the possibility of military action to either limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities or support anti-government protesters. On multiple occasions, he has indicated that Iran has a limited time frame to reach a deal with U.S. negotiators, emphasizing the need for a “meaningful deal.”
While Iran asserts its position is close to the U.S. on various issues, it has rejected what it calls “excessive demands” from the Trump administration, which includes expectations to dismantle its nuclear program and limit its regional partnerships. Iran contends that its nuclear enrichment program is intended for civilian energy rather than weaponry.
The backdrop of these discussions is the recent collapse of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a multilateral agreement that initially aimed to restrict Iran’s nuclear ambitions in exchange for sanctions relief. The Trump administration’s withdrawal from the JCPOA triggered renewed sanctions and increased tensions.
As negotiations continue, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) faces obstacles in accessing key nuclear sites, complicating efforts to assess Iran’s nuclear capacity. The U.S. government remains steadfast in its position that Iran seeks to develop nuclear weapons, a claim vehemently denied by Tehran.
In response to inquiries about the risks of military escalation, Trump acknowledged there is always some risk involved but pointed to previous successes, including the assassination of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani.
As global attention shifts to Rubio’s visit and ongoing negotiations, the situation remains fluid, underscoring the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations and the broader Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape.
