- Iran says it has sent Washington conditions for ending the war through Qatar, as US diplomatic missions issue fresh security warnings across the Middle East.
- “As I said last night, was told that the POTUS meeting at Camp David was to deliberate and review Yemen strike options. Today, U.S. embassies in Middle Eastern countries that are likely to be targets of retaliatory strikes issued warnings. Now POTUS head to the White House early,” Plitsas wrote on X.
US President Donald Trump returned to the White House earlier than expected from Camp David as his administration reportedly considered possible strikes in Yemen following a Houthi ballistic missile attack targeting the Saudi capital Riyadh.
The reported deliberations raise the prospect of another flashpoint in an already volatile West Asia. US diplomatic missions in the region have also issued security warnings amid concerns over possible retaliation and a wider military escalation.
CNN National Security Analyst Alex Plitsas said he had been told that Trump’s meeting at Camp David was convened to consider possible military action in Yemen.
“As I said last night, was told that the POTUS meeting at Camp David was to deliberate and review Yemen strike options. Today, U.S. embassies in Middle Eastern countries that are likely to be targets of retaliatory strikes issued warnings. Now POTUS head to the White House early,” Plitsas wrote on X.
Saudi Arabia said its forces intercepted the missile. The Houthis said they had targeted “sensitive sites” without identifying the locations. The attack has added Yemen to an increasingly complicated regional security picture involving Iran, the Houthis, Saudi Arabia and US interests.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously issued a stark warning over the Houthis. “If it weren’t for our fear for the innocent people of Yemen, we would have conquered it in one week and eliminated the Houthis,” he said.
CNN has previously reported on US military preparations and discussions over further strikes. Any potential operation, however, remains subject to changes in scope and timing.
Trump’s return to Washington also coincided with heightened security messaging from American diplomatic missions across the Middle East. US citizens in the region have been advised to monitor alerts issued by embassies and consulates, as the security situation could change rapidly. The concerns are particularly acute in Saudi Arabia, where US guidance warns of the threat of Iranian drone and missile attacks as well as attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen.
Even as Washington considers its military options, diplomatic contacts with Tehran remain open. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, told Al Jazeera that Tehran had sent its conditions for ending the war to Washington through Qatar and was awaiting Trump’s response.
“We remain in contact with the mediator Qatar, which has conveyed our conditions to Washington with the aim of ending the war. We are awaiting President Trump’s response,” Rezaei said.
“Our conditions are an end to the war on all fronts, the release of our frozen funds, and an end to the naval blockade. It is in Washington’s interest to accept these conditions. Trump’s threats will not achieve any results. We are prepared for a decisive war,” he said.
Iran has said it is prepared for a prolonged confrontation if its demands are rejected. Reports of fresh military activity have meanwhile emerged from elsewhere in the region. Russia Today reported that a US bomber had left an air base in the UK for West Asia, while Iran’s Press TV reported air-defense activity near the Kharab al-Jir base in northeastern Syria, according to news reports.
The escalation comes as world leaders prepare to gather in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, with the conflict in West Asia set to remain a major focus.
