• The US is hosting Israeli and Saudi officials to discuss military options against Iran.
• Trump has intensified military preparations in the region while encouraging a deal on Iran's nuclear program.
• Saudi Arabia is resisting military actions against Iran despite pressure from the US.
• Israeli military intelligence officials are sharing intel on Iranian targets during talks in Washington.
• Tensions remain high, with Iran warning of severe retaliation against any US strikes.

The Trump administration is hosting senior defense and intelligence officials from Israel and Saudi Arabia for talks in Washington this week amidst rising tensions regarding Iran. Reports indicate President Donald Trump is contemplating military strikes as part of a strategic response, urging Iran to negotiate on its nuclear program or face potential U.S. attacks. The recent escalations have coincided with a military buildup by the U.S. in the region, including the repositioning of aircraft carriers and fighter jets, aimed at strengthening US deterrence against Iran, according to Reuters, Middle East Eye, and India Times.

Israeli military intelligence chief General Shlomi Binder has been sharing intelligence on potential Iranian targets during his separate meetings with U.S. officials at the Pentagon and CIA. Meanwhile, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman was also involved in discussions aimed at strategizing on Iran. Despite the U.S. pushing for military options, the Saudi leadership continues to publicly oppose the notion of military strikes, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman assuring Iran that Saudi airspace will not be used for attacks against them, according to Reuters, Middle East Eye, and India Times.

As the discussions unfold, there is a notable contrast between the U.S. push for military action and the Gulf states' inclination toward diplomatic resolutions, with countries like Oman and Turkey advocating for negotiations instead. The U.S. is hoping to secure Saudi backing for possible strikes amid concerns regarding Iran's ballistic missile program and its support for proxy groups in the region. However, analysts express skepticism, with some believing the current approach could provoke more instability rather than provide security. According to experts, while Iran's capabilities have been diminished by previous conflicts, they retain the potential to retaliate significantly, posing a threat to the region's stability, as noted in Reuters, Middle East Eye, and India Times.