President Donald Trump met with Saudi Arabia’s defense minister on Thursday to discuss the escalating Iran situation, regional stability, and efforts toward a historic Saudi-Israeli peace deal, signaling a renewed U.S. diplomatic push in the Middle East.

The meeting at the White House between Trump and Prince Khalid bin Salman comes in the wake of a 12-day war between Israel and Iran and just days before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington. Saudi Arabia is reportedly seeking to de-escalate tensions, while the U.S. is working to pave the way for a broader Middle East agreement.

“We discussed developments in the region and the efforts being made to maintain security and stability,” Bin Salman said following the meeting. The Saudi defense chief also held talks with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House envoy Steve Witkoff.

Iran Talks Back on the Table?

Witkoff is expected to meet next week in Oslo with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to resume nuclear and cease-fire negotiations. Trump told reporters on Thursday that Iran is signaling a willingness to engage diplomatically, saying: “I know they want to meet and if it is necessary I will do it.”

Still, Trump warned that the window for negotiations is narrowing. “It is getting very late for talks,” he said, raising the prospect of potential U.S. strikes against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure if diplomacy fails.

Broader Strategy Ahead of Netanyahu Visit

The Trump administration is trying to capitalise on the recent Israel-Iran cease-fire to push forward an ambitious diplomatic agenda, including a potential normalization agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Such a deal would mark a major shift in regional alliances and could reshape the Middle East’s strategic landscape.

Following the Trump-Bin Salman meeting, the Saudi minister also contacted Iran’s top military commander, Maj. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi, indicating parallel channels of communication as part of a wider diplomatic maneuver.