Senior defense and intelligence officials from Israel and Saudi Arabia are in Washington, D.C., for talks with the Trump administration focused on Iran as the president weighs potential military action. The meetings come amid a U.S. military buildup in the Gulf, with the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier already deployed, signaling heightened preparations for a possible strike.
Israeli officials, including military intelligence chief Gen. Shlomi Binder, met with Pentagon, CIA, and White House leaders to provide intelligence on potential targets inside Iran. Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman is also in D.C. for discussions at the Pentagon, State Department, and White House, aiming to address regional security concerns and explore ways to avoid conflict.
While Trump has warned that any strikes could be “far worse” than previous actions, aides say he remains open to diplomatic options. Iranian officials have responded with threats of severe retaliation against the U.S., its regional allies, and Israeli targets, while Saudi leaders are reportedly attempting to mediate between Washington and Tehran. U.S. officials say the Gulf buildup will be completed in the coming days as the administration continues to deliberate its next move.
