*** Top Israeli and Saudi officials arrived in Washington this week. | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Top Israeli and Saudi officials arrived in Washington this week.

Senior defense and intelligence officials from Israel and Saudi Arabia are in Washington this week for discussions on Iran, Axios reported Thursday, citing sources familiar with the matter. The meetings come as U.S. President Donald Trump considers potential military action against Tehran.

The report could not be independently verified, and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

According to Axios, Israeli officials traveled to Washington to share intelligence on possible targets inside Iran. Saudi officials, meanwhile, sought to encourage a diplomatic approach to prevent a wider regional conflict.

The talks follow recent comments by President Trump, who said an "armada" was heading toward Iran but expressed hope that military action would not be necessary.

Earlier this week, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman informed Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Saudi Arabia would not permit its airspace or territory to be used for any attacks on Tehran, the state news agency SPA reported.

The developments underscore growing uncertainty over potential military action in the Gulf region and the ongoing international efforts to avoid escalation.