US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to travel to Israel next week as President Donald Trump publicly voiced his dissatisfaction with the ongoing negotiations with Iran, signaling a potential shift in the administration’s approach to the stalled nuclear deal talks.
The State Department announced Friday that Rubio’s trip, from March 2 to 3, will focus on 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 as Secretary of State, having previously traveled there in February 2025, and twice in October of last year, in addition to a September visit.
Trump’s criticism came during a public appearance on the White House lawn, where he expressed frustration with the pace of negotiations. “I’m not happy with the fact that they’re not willing to supply us what we have to have. I’m not thrilled with that. We’ll see what happens,” Trump said, adding that further talks were planned for Friday. He also alluded to the possibility of military action, stating, “I’d love not to use it, but sometimes you have to. We’ll see what happens.”
The timing of Rubio’s trip coincides with a third round of indirect talks between the US and Iran, held this week in Switzerland, aimed at restricting Iran’s nuclear program. Another round is scheduled to take place in Austria on Monday, the day Rubio arrives in Israel.
Adding to the heightened tensions, the US government authorized non-emergency embassy staff in Israel to depart the country, citing “safety risks” due to “terrorism and civil unrest,” according to a public notice from the US Embassy in Jerusalem. US Ambassador Mike Huckabee reportedly urged staff to leave “TODAY,” though he also stated there was “no need to panic.”
Concerns over potential military escalation have been mounting, particularly following the deployment of a significant US naval presence to the region, including two aircraft carriers, the USS Gerald Ford and the USS Abraham Lincoln. Trump has previously hinted at a willingness to use force to compel a deal or intervene in response to protests within Iran, referencing a past threat that allegedly halted planned executions of protesters.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, though, indicated Friday that eight protesters have been sentenced to death in Iran, with 30 more at risk of receiving the same penalty. Turk also cautioned against military action, emphasizing the potential for civilian harm. “I am extremely alarmed about the potential for regional military escalation and its impact on civilians, and I hope the voice of reason prevails,” he said.
Even as the US seeks a comprehensive agreement, Iran has indicated its position is “close” to that of the US on many issues, but has called for the Trump administration to drop what it considers “excessive demands.” Reports suggest the US is seeking not only restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program but also limitations on its ballistic missile arsenal and a severing of ties with regional allies like Hezbollah. Iran has dismissed these demands as unrealistic, maintaining its nuclear program is for civilian energy purposes and warning of retaliation against any military strike.
The current negotiations aim to revive a nuclear deal following the collapse of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) after Trump withdrew the US during his first term and reimposed sanctions. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has also reported being blocked from accessing sites previously targeted in a US military campaign, “Operation Midnight Hammer,” raising questions about Iran’s current nuclear activities.
Despite the escalating tensions, Oman, which is mediating the talks, issued a statement following a meeting between its top diplomat and US Vice President JD Vance, stating that negotiations have achieved “significant, important and unprecedented progress.” Oman pledged to continue its efforts to facilitate a resolution.
As Trump prepared for a trip to Texas, he was asked about the risk of a wider regional war. He largely dismissed the possibility, citing past successes, and called on Iran to negotiate in “good faith and conscience.” However, he concluded with a note of skepticism: “They are not getting there.”
