Rubio to Update Netanyahu on US-Iran Talks During Israel Visit

Secretary of State to meet with Israeli PM next week to discuss nuclear negotiations.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to travel to Israel next week to update Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, according to two Trump administration officials. Rubio is expected to meet with Netanyahu on February 28th to discuss the status of the negotiations.

Why it matters

The U.S. and Iran have held two rounds of indirect talks in recent weeks, with both sides expressing cautious optimism about potential progress. However, Israeli leaders like Netanyahu have urged the U.S. to ensure any deal also addresses Iran's ballistic missile program and support for proxy groups. Rubio's visit signals the continued importance of Israel's perspective in the negotiations.

The details

The upcoming talks between Rubio and Netanyahu come as the U.S. has been surging military resources to the Middle East, including deploying the world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the region. Dozens of U.S. fighter jets and support aircraft have also been moved to bases in the area, raising concerns about the potential for escalation.

  • Rubio is expected to meet with Netanyahu on February 28, 2026.
  • The U.S. and Iran have held two rounds of indirect nuclear talks in recent weeks.

The players

Marco Rubio

The current U.S. Secretary of State, appointed by former President Donald Trump.

Benjamin Netanyahu

The Prime Minister of Israel, who has urged the U.S. to address Iran's ballistic missile program and support for proxy groups in any nuclear deal.

Abbas Araghchi

The Iranian Foreign Minister, who has expressed cautious optimism about the progress of the nuclear talks.

JD Vance

The current U.S. Vice President, who commented on the recent nuclear talks in an interview.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President, who is weighing whether to take military action against Iran.

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What they’re saying

“In some ways, it went well. But in other ways, it was very clear that the president has set some red lines that the Iranians are not yet willing to actually acknowledge and work through.”

— JD Vance, U.S. Vice President (Fox News Channel)

“A new window has opened for reaching an agreement.”

— Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister (wral.com)

“For 47 years, they've been talking and talking and talking.”

— Donald Trump (wral.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Rubio's visit to Israel signals the continued importance of Israel's perspective in the U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, as the Biden administration seeks to balance progress in the talks with addressing Israel's concerns about Iran's broader regional activities.