Saudi and Israeli Officials Visit Washington to Discuss Possible U.S. Strikes on Iran

Senior defense and intelligence officials from Saudi Arabia and Israel have traveled to Washington, D.C. for meetings with the Trump administration on Iran, as President Trump considers possible military strikes against Tehran, Axios reported, citing U.S. and regional sources.

High-Level Consultations in Washington

Israeli and Saudi delegations arrived in Washington this week for separate but closely related meetings with senior U.S. officials, reflecting heightened coordination as Washington prepares for potential military action against Iran. U.S. officials confirmed that discussions are focused on Iran’s military capabilities, regional risks, and diplomatic alternatives.

Israeli Intelligence Briefings

Israeli military intelligence chief Gen. Shlomi Binder held meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday with senior officials at the Pentagon, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the White House. According to U.S. officials, Binder briefed the Trump administration on specific intelligence regarding potential targets inside Iran, responding to direct requests from U.S. agencies.

Saudi Push for De-Escalation

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman is expected to hold meetings at the Pentagon, the State Department, and the White House, including with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff. Prince Khalid, the younger brother of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and a key confidant, is scheduled to be in Washington on Thursday and Friday.

Saudi officials have expressed deep concern that U.S. strikes could trigger a broader regional war. In recent days, Riyadh has been actively passing messages between Washington and Tehran in an effort to reduce tensions and reopen diplomatic channels.

Quiet Regional Messaging

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian earlier this week that Saudi Arabia would not permit the United States to use its airspace for an attack on Iran, according to sources familiar with the exchange. The message was intended to signal Riyadh’s desire to avoid direct involvement in any military confrontation.

U.S. Decision Still Pending

White House officials say President Trump has not yet made a final decision on whether to strike Iran. While Trump warned on Wednesday that any future strikes would be “far worse” than previous actions, aides maintain that he remains open to diplomatic options.

At present, U.S. officials say there are no serious negotiations underway between Washington and Tehran. American officials assess that Iran is unwilling to engage on terms demanded by the U.S., while Iranian leaders continue to warn of severe retaliation.

Iranian Warnings and Military Preparations

Iranian officials have repeatedly threatened a forceful response if the U.S. carries out military action. Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, warned publicly that any U.S. strike would be treated as an act of war, promising an immediate and unprecedented response, including against Tel Aviv and U.S. allies.

Iran has also threatened to target U.S. military bases across the region in the event of an attack.

State of Play

U.S. military preparations in the Gulf are nearing completion, according to U.S. officials. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has arrived in the region, part of a broader naval and air deployment ordered by Trump.

A U.S. official said the current directive is to prepare for multiple scenarios, noting that the president is expected to reach another critical decision point on Iran in the coming days.