Israeli, Saudi officials visit Washington to discuss possible US strikes on Iran, sources say

WASHINGTON - The Trump administration is hosting senior defence and intelligence officials from Israel and Saudi Arabia for separate talks on Iran this week in Washington as US President Donald Trump considers military strikes, according to two people familiar with the matter.

Tensions have escalated amid

a US military buildup in the Middle East.

Mr Trump urged Iran on Jan 28 to come to the table and make a deal on nuclear weapons or face a US attack, drawing a threat from Tehran to strike back hard.

Israel’s military intelligence chief, General Shlomi Binder, held talks on Iran with senior officials at the Pentagon, the CIA and the White House on Jan 27 and 28, a source familiar with the matter said.

Axios reported that he shared intelligence on possible Iranian targets.

Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman was also in Washington for meetings with US officials focused on Iran, according to a second source familiar with the discussions.

The Saudis and other Gulf states have

sought to de-escalate the situation

and prevent a wider war.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Riyadh would not allow its airspace or territory to be used for military actions against Tehran, state news agency SPA reported this week.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Mr Trump is

weighing options against Iran

that include targeted strikes on security forces and leaders to inspire protesters, multiple sources said, even as Israeli and Arab officials said air power alone would not topple the clerical rulers.

Mr Trump has not made a final decision on a course of action, including whether to take the military path, one of the sources and a US official said. REUTERS