U.S. Vice President Joe Biden is heading to the Middle East for a visit focusing on the situation in Iran and Syria, as well as U.S. economic and energy interests.
The White House said Biden's itinerary included stops in the United Arab Emirates, Israel, the West Bank, and Jordan.
Biden, who departs Washington on March 5, will also be meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas.
But no major initiatives to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will be on the agenda.
The White House has said it does not believe either side has the political will to revive the peace process.
