The Trump administration is currently hosting senior defense and intelligence officials from Israel and Saudi Arabia for separate discussions on Iran this week in Washington. This development comes as U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly considers potential military strikes against Iran, according to sources familiar with the ongoing diplomatic engagements.
Escalating Tensions in the Middle East
Tensions between the United States and Iran have significantly escalated recently, amid a noticeable U.S. military buildup in the Middle East region. President Trump issued a direct warning to Iran on Wednesday, urging the nation to come to the negotiating table and make a deal regarding nuclear weapons. He explicitly stated that failure to comply could result in a U.S. military attack, a threat that prompted Tehran to respond with its own warning of striking back hard against any aggression.
Israeli Intelligence Chief's Washington Meetings
Israel's military intelligence chief, General Shlomi Binder, held crucial talks on Iran with senior officials at the Pentagon, the CIA, and the White House on Tuesday and Wednesday. A source familiar with these discussions revealed that General Binder shared intelligence regarding possible Iranian targets during these high-level meetings. The Axios news outlet reported on these intelligence exchanges, highlighting the strategic nature of the discussions between Israeli and American defense officials.
Saudi Defense Minister's Diplomatic Engagement
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman was also present in Washington this week for meetings with U.S. officials that focused primarily on Iran. According to a second source familiar with these discussions, the Saudi delegation and other Gulf states have been actively seeking to de-escalate the current situation and prevent a wider regional war from erupting.
In a significant diplomatic development this week, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman communicated directly with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The state news agency SPA reported that the Crown Prince assured Tehran that Riyadh would not permit its airspace or territory to be used for any military actions against Iran. This statement represents a notable diplomatic position from Saudi Arabia amid the escalating tensions.
Military Options Under Consideration
Multiple sources indicate that President Trump is currently weighing various options against Iran, including targeted strikes on security forces and leaders. The administration reportedly believes such actions could inspire protesters within Iran, though Israeli and Arab officials have cautioned that air power alone would likely not be sufficient to topple the country's clerical rulers.
Despite these considerations, Trump has not yet made a final decision regarding a specific course of action, including whether to pursue a military path. This information comes from one of the sources familiar with the discussions as well as a U.S. official who spoke on the matter. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding these ongoing diplomatic and military deliberations.
