Vance led secret Camp David talks on Iran war, Houthis

President Donald Trump's top national security officials met for several hours at Camp David on Friday, Oct. 2. They discussed next steps in the Iran war and the Saudi-Houthi conflict in Yemen, Axios reported, citing three U.S. officials. Vice President JD Vance chaired the meeting, which the administration did not announce.axios+3

The meeting comes as talks with Tehran have stalled and Trump weighs whether to restart large-scale combat operations against Iran. At the same time, Saudi Arabia is pressing Washington to join a planned offensive against the Houthis.aa+1

Who attended

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, White House envoy Steve Witkoff, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine all took part, according to the report. The Jerusalem Post reported that Trump himself also attended. Other outlets that covered the Axios story did not say he was there.jpost+2

One U.S. official told Axios that "things were decided, or at least deeply discussed". The White House did not respond to Axios's request for comment.kurdistan24+1

Kurdistan24 and Asharq Al-Awsat, both citing Axios, reported that this kind of gathering at the presidential retreat is unusual. The last similar meeting took place in June 2025, days before Israel went to war with Iran.english.aawsat+1

Military options on the table

Trump has said he could resume strikes on Iran after the midterm elections in early November if no deal is reached, Anadolu Agency reported. The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials, reported that the Pentagon is preparing to send a third aircraft carrier strike group and more Marine ships to the Middle East. The deployment would add up to 10,000 troops, who are expected to arrive by the end of November.aa

Saudi pressure on Yemen

Riyadh is urging Washington to carry out airstrikes on the Houthis ahead of a planned Saudi offensive. The Iran-aligned rebel group has been fighting Yemen's government forces since 2014. Trump has been leaning against joining the campaign, but U.S. officials told Axios he could change his mind.kurdistan24+1