Secretary of State Rubio’s Visit to Saudi Arabia Amid Diplomatic Tensions
Ryadh, Saudi Arabia – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday, February 17th, as Washington confirmed a meeting with a Russian delegation in Ryadh the following day. The American delegation, including Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, will represent the United States at the meeting, according to State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Vladimir Putin’s diplomatic advisor, Yuri Ushakov, are also expected to travel to Ryadh on Monday. This will mark the first face-to-face encounter between Rubio and Lavrov, who have previously spoken over the phone, signaling a desire for a "reset" in US-Russia relations strained by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The meeting concludes a week of dramatic developments following a phone call last Wednesday between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. The two leaders agreed to attempt to end the war in Ukraine, sparking concerns about the potential sidelining of Kyiv and European allies. The meeting is expected to pave the way for a future summit between Trump and Putin, potentially also hosted by Saudi Arabia, which finds itself at the center of global attention due to its relationships with both Moscow and Washington.
Rubio’s Visit Amid Regional Tensions
Rubio arrived in Ryadh on Monday morning from Israel, where he pledged unwavering US support to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Secretary of State is expected to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman later in the day.
Rubio’s visit coincides with heightened tensions on several fronts, including Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip. The implementation of the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, which took effect on January 19th, remains uncertain.
President Trump has caused shockwaves throughout the Arab world and beyond by suggesting that the United States take control of the Gaza Strip, relocating Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt. The war-ravaged Palestinian territory has been deemed uninhabitable after more than fifteen months of conflict.
Arab Resistance to Trump’s Plan
Arab states have categorically rejected any population displacement in the Gaza Strip. However, Washington maintains that there is no other viable alternative, and Rubio’s mission is to persuade the Saudis to accept the plan.
"For the moment, the only plan – they don’t like it – but the only plan is Trump’s. So if they have a better one, now is the time to show it," Rubio stated last week.
Saudi Arabia’s Role in Trump’s Regional Agenda
Saudi Arabia plays a central role in Trump’s regional plans, particularly in the context of a potential normalization of relations between Ryadh and Israel. Rubio’s visit highlights the kingdom’s importance in Washington’s diplomatic calculus.
Diplomatic Implications
The meeting between Rubio and Lavrov is seen as a significant step towards mending strained US-Russia relations and de-escalating tensions over Ukraine. The outcome of the meeting could have far-reaching implications for global diplomacy and the ongoing conflict in eastern Europe.
Rubio’s visit to Saudi Arabia comes at a time of heightened regional tensions and uncertainty surrounding President Trump’s proposals for the Middle East. The meetings in Ryadh will undoubtedly shape the course of diplomatic efforts in the coming weeks and months.
