U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Visit the Middle East Amid Regional Tensions

By Kardo Roj

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit the Middle East in mid-February, marking his first official trip to the region since assuming office. His visit comes at a time of heightened tensions over President Donald Trump’s controversial plan for Gaza, which has drawn sharp criticism from Arab states.

According to Israeli officials and sources familiar with the matter, who spoke to Axios, Rubio’s itinerary will include stops in Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, with potential additional visits to other regional nations.

Gaza Plan Sparks Regional Divisions

Rubio’s visit follows significant regional pushback against Trump’s plan to establish U.S. control over Gaza, a proposal welcomed by Israeli leadership but strongly opposed by Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab nations.

Earlier this week, five Arab foreign ministers and a senior Palestinian official sent a joint letter to Rubio expressing deep concerns over the Gaza proposal and calling for Palestinian involvement in any post-war reconstruction efforts, according to a leaked copy obtained by Axios.

Munich Security Conference and Further Diplomacy

Rubio is also expected to attend the Munich Security Conference in Germany, set to begin on February 14, before heading to the Middle East.

While his itinerary currently includes visits to Israel, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, it remains unclear whether Rubio will travel to the West Bank and engage with the Palestinian Authority. However, a Palestinian source indicated that the U.S. State Department has informed Palestinian officials of a possible visit if Rubio proceeds with his stop in Israel.

His trip is expected to shape Washington’s next steps in navigating Middle Eastern diplomacy amid ongoing conflicts and shifting alliances.