Top Trump aides met secretly at Camp David to discuss Iran war, Saudi-Houthi conflict: Sources
WASHINGTON, DC: Senior Trump administration officials apparently slipped into Camp David on Friday, October 2, for a closed-door meeting that stretched on for hours. They tackled strategy for the war with Iran and the spiraling Saudi-Houthi fighting in Yemen, according to sources who briefed Axios and CBS News.
Vice President JD Vance led the talks. He was joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, special envoy Steve Witkoff, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Joint Chiefs Chair Gen Dan Caine, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
A possible resumption of major combat operations
The meeting was not announced by the Trump administration. The last time a similar meeting took place was in June 2025, just days before Israel launched strikes on military and nuclear facilities in Iran.
One official briefed on Friday's discussions told Axios, "Things were decided or at least deeply discussed.”
This gathering happened just as talks with Iran have hit a standstill and Trump is considering ramping up major military operations against Iran, over seven months since the war began with US and Israeli strikes back on February 28.
On Thursday, Trump didn’t mince words about just how high the stakes are.
"Now I have to make a decision: either Iran signs the deal, or it won't exist any longer," he said.
Asked by reporters Friday afternoon, while his top aides were meeting at Camp David, what his next move on Iran would be, Trump was coy.
"If I told you, you would have a major story," he said. "But you will see. It is working out very well. Iran is not doing well."
Pressure mounts over Yemen as well
At Camp David, leaders apparently zeroed in on the growing crisis between Iran-backed Houthi forces and Yemen’s Saudi-supported government.
The ceasefire lasted nearly four years, but once it broke down, fighting flared up fast.
Saudi Arabia is reportedly pushing Trump to get on board with an offensive against the Houthis and wants US airstrikes to help their campaign.
Right now, officials say Trump has resisted jumping in. Still, he hasn’t ruled out changing his mind if things on the ground shift.
