US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Israel on Monday to engage in discussions focused on Iran, as indicated by the US State Department. This visit comes at a time when the US is intensifying its military presence in the region amid threats of a potential military strike against Tehran. Rubio's discussions are expected to address a range of regional priorities, including Iran and Lebanon, as well as efforts related to implementing President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza.

Initially planned for Saturday, the visit was postponed to Monday, with the noteworthy detail that Rubio will not be accompanied by any accredited journalists from the State Department. This unusual decision signifies the sensitive nature of the discussions, particularly in light of the escalating tensions and military buildups in the Middle East. Moreover, the US has requested non-essential diplomatic staff at its embassy in Israel to leave, indicating a heightened level of concern regarding security.

Simultaneously, China has advised its citizens to leave Iran as soon as possible and urged its nationals in Israel to bolster their security readiness due to rising security risks in the region. The Chinese government has also expressed that the increasing US military deployments in the Asia-Pacific area are detrimental to regional peace and stability, showcasing the complexity and international implications of the current geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran and its neighbors.