U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is preparing for a significant diplomatic tour across the Middle East from February 13 to 18, 2025. His itinerary includes stops in Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, according to sources from his office. This marks his inaugural visit to the region and his second international tour since taking office in late January.
The trip occurs amidst the controversy sparked by President Donald Trump's recent proposal for the U.S. to assume control over the Gaza Strip and relocate the Palestinian population. This suggestion has been met with condemnation from human rights organizations and rejection by both Palestinians and Arab states.
During his visit, Rubio plans to engage in discussions on issues concerning Gaza and the aftermath of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel. Additionally, he aims to address the current regional tensions and work towards strengthening bilateral ties between the U.S. and its Middle Eastern allies.
This tour is perceived as an effort by the Trump administration to reaffirm its commitment to Middle Eastern stability and to advocate for a new dynamic in the region. The trip will also include a stop in Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference from Friday, February 14, 2025, through Sunday, February 16, 2025.
Recent Latin America Tour Highlights
Earlier, Marco Rubio completed his first official tour of Latin America, visiting Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. The primary aim was to bolster bilateral relations and foster cooperation in critical areas such as migration, regional security, and economic growth.
In Panama, Rubio was greeted by Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez. He emphasized the strategic importance of the region for the future prosperity of the U.S. and the necessity for closer collaboration with regional partners.
While in El Salvador, he met with President Nayib Bukele, reaching an agreement on the deportation of undocumented migrants who have committed serious crimes in the U.S. Bukele offered his country's high-security prisons to house these individuals, including gang members from groups like MS-13 and the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
In Costa Rica, Rubio pledged support to President Rodrigo Chaves in the fight against drug trafficking and discussed the need to limit Chinese tech firms' involvement in developing 5G networks in the country. He underscored the importance of restricting contracts to trusted vendors and expressed the willingness of the U.S. to involve the DEA and FBI in investigations against international drug trafficking networks.
During his time in the Dominican Republic, he oversaw the seizure of a Venezuelan government aircraft, part of the ongoing U.S. pressure on Nicolás Maduro's regime. The Dassault Falcon 200, used by high-ranking Venezuelan officials, was confiscated due to U.S. sanctions violations, export controls, and money laundering allegations.
Key Questions about Marco Rubio's Diplomatic Efforts
What are the main goals of Marco Rubio's Middle East tour?
The primary objectives are to address tensions in the region, discuss issues related to Gaza, and strengthen U.S. bilateral relations with Middle Eastern allies.
How has Marco Rubio's visit been perceived in Latin America?
Rubio's visit was seen as a strategic move to enhance bilateral ties and promote cooperation in migration, security, and economic development across the region.
What controversies surround President Trump's proposal regarding Gaza?
The proposal for the U.S. to control the Gaza Strip and relocate Palestinians has been widely condemned by human rights groups and rejected by Palestinians and Arab nations.