U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reportedly just held a phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the State Department confirmed Monday evening, as major security developments continue to unfold in the war with Iran. The call comes just hours after reports that Washington lifted previous restrictions on Israeli operations in Iraqi airspace, potentially clearing the way for Israel to strike Iran-backed militias operating in Iraq. The reported shift could significantly expand Israel’s operational freedom in the region as Jerusalem continues confronting Iran and Tehran-backed forces across multiple fronts.
Rubio’s call with Netanyahu also follows a high-level Trump administration meeting at Camp David focused on Iran and Yemen. The previously unannounced meeting included Vice President JD Vance, Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
Rubio confirmed the Camp David meeting before departing Washington, describing it as part of the administration’s broader strategic planning surrounding the conflicts. The State Department has not yet revealed what Rubio and Netanyahu discussed during Monday’s call, and no official connection between the conversation, the Camp David meeting and reports regarding Iraqi airspace has been confirmed.