President Trump’s top cabinet officials held a secret meeting at Camp David on Friday to weigh military options in Iran and the Saudi-Houthi conflict in Yemen, according to an axios.com report. Vice President Vance chaired the unannounced gathering, which brought together senior national security leadership to map out upcoming decisions in the Middle East.
Cabinet Officials Gather at Camp David for Secret Middle East Briefing
The high-level discussions on Friday took place away from Washington without public notice from the White House. Three U.S. officials confirmed the secret summit to axios.com, noting that the last time a comparable cabinet-level meeting occurred at the presidential retreat was in June 2025, just days before Israel initiated its war against Iran.
Joining Vice President Vance were Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, White House envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. One official briefed on the discussions stated that “things were decided or at least deeply discussed” regarding the regional crisis. The White House declined to comment on the proceedings.
Trump Weighs Major Combat Operations as Iran Deal Negotiations Stall
Diplomatic efforts with Tehran remain stalled, prompting President Trump to consider ordering a resumption of major combat operations. On Thursday, the president outlined the stakes of the current diplomatic impasse. “Now I have to make a decision: either Iran signs the deal, or it won’t exist any longer,” Trump said.
At the same time, the administration faces mounting pressure from Riyadh. Saudi officials are actively urging the White House to join a planned offensive against the Houthis in Yemen by conducting direct airstrikes. U.S. officials report that while Trump has been leaning against intervening in the Yemeni campaign, he could change his mind following the weekend strategy sessions.
Vice President Vance chairs secret Camp David meeting
Who chaired the secret Camp David meeting?
Vice President Vance chaired the cabinet-level meeting at Camp David on Friday, according to three U.S. officials who spoke with axios.com.
Who else participated in the national security discussions?
Attendees included Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, White House envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
When was the last similar meeting held at Camp David?
A comparable high-level national security meeting took place at Camp David in June 2025, just days before Israel went to war against Iran.
Worth a look