As tensions rise in the Persian Gulf, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has changed the schedule for his latest trip to Europe, substituting a stop in Brussels for one in Moscow to discuss Iran and other issues with European officials.
A State Department official said Pompeo, who departed Sunday night, was still expected to meet Tuesday in Sochi with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The official wasn't authorized to discuss the itinerary by name and requested anonymity.
The visit to Sochi will be Pompeo's first to Russia as secretary of state.
Twice last week Pompeo changed his travel schedule at the last minute after U.S. officials picked up intelligence suggesting Iran or its proxies were planning an attack against American targets in the Middle East.
In the wake of that development, Pompeo flew to Iraq to meet with U.S. troops and President Donald Trump warned Iran that he was sending more troops to the region, including an aircraft carrier.
