IDF intelligence chief visits Washington for high-level talks on Iran

Binder traveled to Washington to brief U.S. officials on specific intelligence the administration had requested regarding Iran.

By World Israel News Staff

Israeli military intelligence chief Shlomi Binder held meetings this week with senior officials at the Pentagon, the CIA, and the White House, as the Trump administration intensifies consultations with key regional partners amid escalating tensions with Iran, according to Axios.

A source familiar with the visit said Binder traveled to Washington to brief U.S. officials on specific intelligence the administration had requested regarding Iran, as President Donald Trump considers possible military action.

The meetings took place Tuesday and Wednesday and were described as part of a broader effort to align intelligence assessments and policy options.

Axios also reported that the administration is hosting senior Saudi defense and intelligence officials this week for Iran-focused talks.

Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman, the younger brother and closest confidant of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is expected to meet at the Pentagon, the State Department, and the White House, including with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff.

Prince Khalid is scheduled to be in Washington on Thursday and Friday.

Earlier this week, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that the kingdom “will not accept any aggression, threat or provocation against Iran,” according to a readout released by Tehran after a phone call between the two leaders.

The diplomatic push comes as regional rhetoric sharpens following Trump’s warning that “time is running out” for Iran to agree to a deal. Trump said a powerful American naval force was mobilizing and urged Tehran to negotiate or face severe consequences.

Iran responded on Wednesday with explicit threats, including a warning of strikes on Tel Aviv.

Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, said any response would be “immediate, comprehensive, and unprecedented,” adding it would target “the heart of Tel Aviv and all those supporting the aggression.”

The surge of high-level meetings and public warnings underscores the urgency in Washington and across the region as the United States coordinates closely with Israel and Saudi Arabia while Iran signals readiness for possible confrontation.