US Holds Iran Talks with Israel & Saudi Arabia
King TenTrump considers Iran strikes, engaging Israeli and Saudi officials in high-level defense talks.
The Trump administration is holding separate, high-level talks with senior defense and intelligence officials from Israel and Saudi Arabia in Washington this week, as President Donald Trump considers military strikes against Iran.
Tensions in the region have been escalating amid a U.S. military buildup. On Wednesday, Trump publicly urged Iran to negotiate a nuclear weapons deal or face a potential U.S. attack, prompting Tehran to threaten a harsh response.
Washington Hosts Separate High-Level Defense Talks
Two distinct sets of meetings are underway, focusing on the strategic challenge posed by Iran.
Israel Details Potential Iranian Targets
Israel's military intelligence chief, General Shlomi Binder, met with senior officials at the Pentagon, the CIA, and the White House on Tuesday and Wednesday. According to one source, Binder shared intelligence on possible Iranian targets during these discussions.
Saudi Arabia Navigates De-escalation
Separately, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman was also in Washington for meetings with U.S. officials centered on Iran. While participating in these talks, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have officially sought to de-escalate the situation and prevent a wider conflict.
In a recent communication, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman assured Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Riyadh would not permit its territory or airspace to be used for military actions against Tehran, as reported by the state news agency SPA.
Trump Weighs Military Options as Decision Looms
Sources familiar with the matter say President Trump is weighing several options against Iran. These include targeted strikes on security forces and key leaders in an effort to inspire internal protests.
However, some Israeli and Arab officials have expressed doubt that air power alone would be sufficient to topple Iran's clerical leadership.
One source, along with a U.S. official, confirmed that Trump has not yet made a final decision on a course of action, including whether to pursue a military path. The White House did not provide an immediate response to a request for comment.
