Marco Rubio plans visit to Israel, also held talks with Iraqi prime minister

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is planning a trip to Israel in the coming days, according to the Axios news site, citing American and Israeli sources.

The purpose of the visit is to continue diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza.

Rubio also spoke by phone with Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani on Tuesday. During the conversation, he praised the resumption of oil exports via the Iraq-Turkey pipeline, which he believes will benefit Iraq, Turkey, and American companies.

The phone call also touched on the conclusion of several trade agreements between the US and Iraq, the State Department said.

(reuters, mja)