Saudi and Israeli leaders meet with Trump as Iran conflict reaches six-month mark

As the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran enters its sixth month, President Trump faces conflicting pressures from regional allies. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu advocates for aggressive options, including military strikes and blockades, while Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman warns against escalation. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has engaged in joint military strikes with the U.S. against Iran-backed militias following Houthi attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure, as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.

U.S.-Israeli war in Iran

• ▪The U.S.-Israeli war in Iran is entering its sixth month without a decisive military victory or diplomatic breakthrough.
• ▪The Pentagon requested $67 billion in emergency funding to pay for troops and restock munitions for the Iran war.

Netanyahu-Trump strategy meeting

• ▪Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented Donald Trump with three options: a nuclear deal, an economic blockade, or military strikes.
• ▪Donald Trump voiced frustration that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needed to take a softer touch with Hezbollah.

Saudi Arabia escalation concerns

• ▪Saudi Arabia joined the United States in conducting military strikes against Iranian-backed militias in Iraq on July 29, 2026.
• ▪Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman conveyed concerns that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing for further escalation.

Houthi proxy attacks

• ▪Saudi Arabia bombed Houthi militants in Yemen in response to attacks on Saudi civilian infrastructure.
• ▪Iran-backed Houthi militants fired missiles at a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea and declared a maritime blockade.

Iraqi militia strikes

• ▪Kuwait's ambassador to the United States denied that Kuwait participated in military strikes on Iran.
• ▪At least 20 people, including Iranian military advisers, were killed in joint Saudi-U.S. strikes against militias in Iraq.

Failed Iran diplomatic negotiations

• ▪Iran rejected an initial proposal from Oman to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, ending a brief diplomatic truce.
• ▪U.S. intelligence assesses that further bombing of Iran will not dislodge the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps controlled regime.

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