Washington, 01 March (H.S.): US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has canceled his scheduled trip to Israel set for March 2-3, the State Department announced, citing rapidly deteriorating circumstances following joint US-Israel strikes on Iran.

Trip Planned Amid Nuclear Talks

Originally slated to depart Monday, Rubio's visit aimed to address regional priorities including Iran nuclear negotiations, Lebanon tensions, and Gaza implementation under President Trump's 20-Point Peace Plan. The itinerary was confirmed just days ago after earlier delays from February 22 amid Geneva talks mediated by Oman.

State Department Assistant Secretary Dylan Johnson tweeted: Due to current circumstances, Secretary Rubio will no longer travel to Israel on March 2. The abrupt reversal came hours after Operation Epic Fury launched, targeting Iranian leadership and nuclear sites alongside Israel's Operation Roaring Lion.

The cancellation signals Washington's full pivot to crisis management as Iran retaliates with missile barrages across the Gulf. Rubio had briefed Congress's Gang of Eight pre-strikes. With airspace closures over 11 countries and UN Security Council emergency sessions underway, high-level travel appears untenable amid the volatility.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar