Senior national security officials in US President Donald Trump’s administration held a secret meeting at Camp David last Friday to discuss next steps in the war against Iran and the ongoing conflict in Yemen, amid indications that Washington was preparing to make decisions on both issues.
A report by journalist Barak Ravid on Axios said the meeting lasted several hours and was chaired by Vice-President J.D. Vance. It was attended by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, envoy Steve Witkoff, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Officials stress importance of Camp David meeting
US officials described the meeting as highly important, saying several issues linked to Middle East crises had been “settled or discussed in depth”. Rubio confirmed that the meeting took place, explaining that the National Security Council brings officials together for long-term strategic planning, but acknowledged that holding such a meeting at Camp David was not routine.
The meeting’s significance has increased in light of a similar gathering held in June 2025, just days before the outbreak of the war between Israel and Iran. The latest meeting came as negotiations between Washington and Tehran stalled, while Trump considers resuming large-scale military operations against Iran.
The US president said last Thursday that Tehran must agree to the deal or it “will no longer exist”. During his advisers’ meeting at Camp David, Trump hinted that a decision on Iran was nearing, saying that things were “going very well” and that Iran was “not doing very well”.
Saudi pressure for US participation against Houthis
On Yemen, Saudi Arabia is pressuring Trump for the United States to join a planned air strike against the Houthis. Officials said the US president currently appeared inclined to reject the Saudi request, while noting that his position could change.
