File photo: Houthi supporters shout slogans during a rally against Israel and the United States’ war on Iran, in Sanaa, Yemen
A similar gathering took place in June 2025, days before Israel went to war with Iran. Because such high-level discussions at Camp David have been rare, the meeting was notable. The meeting was not announced by the Trump administration and came as negotiations with Iran remained stalled, with Trump weighing whether to resume major combat operations against Tehran.
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US president Donald Trump’s top national security aides met secretly at Camp David on Friday for several hours to discuss the war with Iran and the Saudi-backed push against Houthi rebels in Yemen, three US officials told Axios.
Vice president JD Vance chaired the meeting, according to the officials. “Things were decided or at least deeply discussed,” one US official said, referring to the Middle East crisis. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, White House envoy Steve Witkoff, CIA director John Ratcliffe and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Dan Caine were among those who attended. The White House did not comment on the meeting.
“If I told you, you would have a major story,” Trump told reporters. Trump has so far been leaning against joining the operation, although US officials said he could change his position. The meeting came as Trump faces a decision over the future of the US campaign against Iran. With negotiations stalled, Trump has been considering whether to resume major combat operations. “But you will see. It is working out very well. Iran is not doing well. The Camp David discussions also covered the escalating Saudi-Houthi conflict in Yemen. Saudi Arabia is preparing a possible offensive against the Houthis and has been urging Trump to support the campaign with US airstrikes.
On Thursday, he issued a stark warning over the talks, saying: “Now I have to make a decision: either Iran signs the deal, or it won’t exist any longer. Trump was asked about his next move on Iran on Friday afternoon while his advisers were meeting at Camp David.