Trump’s Top Security Aides Hold Secret Camp David Talks on Iran, Yemen

WASHINGTON, Oct 3: Top national security officials in the Trump administration held a secret meeting at Camp David on Friday to discuss the next steps in the war with Iran and the escalating conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, according to Axios, citing U.S. officials familiar with the meeting. Vice President JD Vance chaired the gathering, which focused on strategic options as diplomatic efforts with Iran have stalled and tensions in Yemen continue to rise.

The meeting came as Saudi Arabia prepares a major military offensive against the Houthis, in coordination with Yemen’s internationally recognized government, aimed at regaining control of parts of the Red Sea coast and the strategically important Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Reuters separately reported that the operation could involve more than 100,000 Yemeni ground forces backed by Saudi air power, while the United States is providing intelligence and targeting assistance but has so far declined to join the offensive directly.

The Camp David discussions also come amid uncertainty over Washington’s next move against Iran. Trump said Friday that the war would end “very soon”, adding that it would “probably” end after the U.S. midterm elections. His latest comments came as his administration continues to weigh military and diplomatic options following stalled negotiations with Tehran.