Israel, Saudi Arabia hold Washington talks as U.S.-Iran tensions rise

WASHINGTON — Senior Israeli and Saudi officials are holding separate talks in Washington this week as tensions rise between the United States and Iran and President Donald Trump weighs possible military action, officials said.

Israel’s military intelligence chief, Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder, met Tuesday and Wednesday with senior officials at the Pentagon, the CIA and the White House, according to people familiar with the meetings. The discussions focused on intelligence assessments and potential targets inside Iran should military strikes be authorized.

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, is pushing for a diplomatic path to avoid a wider regional conflict. Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman arrived in Washington on Thursday and is expected to meet senior officials at the Pentagon, the State Department and the White House, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Prince Khalid is the younger brother and a close confidant of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

U.S.-Iran tensions have escalated following the collapse of nuclear talks and Tehran’s crackdown on domestic protests. The United States has increased its military presence in the region, including the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, while warning Iran against attacks on U.S. interests.

The standoff has rattled global markets, with oil prices rising above $65 a barrel amid fears that any military confrontation could disrupt key energy shipping routes.

Despite the heightened military posture, U.S. officials say no final decision has been made on launching strikes against Iran.

GAROWE ONLINE