Vance leads secret Camp David talks on Iran, Yemen: Axios

• The session was chaired by Vice President JD Vance alongside key foreign policy, defense, and intelligence leaders.
• The meeting comes as Trump evaluates resuming major military operations against Iran amid stalled diplomatic negotiations.
• Officials weighed Saudi requests for US participation and airstrikes in a planned offensive against Houthi forces in Yemen.

Top cabinet officials in US President Donald Trump's administration convened secretly at the presidential retreat at Camp David on Friday for hours of high-stakes discussions on the war in Iran and the Saudi-Houthi conflict in Yemen, three US officials disclosed to Axios.

The highly unusual gathering was not announced by the White House.

According to Axios, the last time a similar unannounced session occurred was in June 2025, just days before 'Israel' entered into direct conflict with Iran.

The White House declined to comment when asked about the meeting.

Vice President chairs meeting 

US officials told Axios that Vice President JD Vance chaired the unannounced session.

Key national security leaders attending the conference included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Reflecting on the deliberations regarding the ongoing regional crises, one US official remarked to Axios that "things were decided or at least deeply discussed" during the hours-long talks.

Trump weighs major combat 

The secret meeting comes as formal diplomatic negotiations remain stalled, prompting US President Trump to evaluate whether to launch renewed major combat operations against Tehran.

"Now I have to make a decision: either Iran signs the deal, or it won't exist any longer," US President Trump stated on Thursday, signaling a potential escalation in the seven-month-long confrontation.

Concurrently, Riyadh has requested US military participation in a planned Saudi offensive targeting Houthi forces in Yemen.

Saudi officials have urged US President Trump to authorize US airstrikes against Houthi positions.

While Trump has reportedly leaned against deep military intervention in Yemen, US officials indicated to Axios that his stance could shift depending on developments.

On Friday afternoon, while his senior national security team remained assembled at Camp David, reporters questioned US President Trump regarding his imminent moves concerning Iran.

"If I told you, you would have a major story," Trump replied. "But you will see. It is working out very well. Iran is not doing well."