Trump to Meet Gulf Leaders on Iran Amid Tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to meet with leaders from Gulf nations next week during the UN General Assembly in New York to discuss the escalating tensions with Iran and the developing threat from the Houthis. The meeting, as reported by Axios, will focus on the Iranian issue and the U.S. regional strategy following a significant escalation in conflict.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also scheduled to attend the assembly and has expressed interest in meeting with President Trump, though no such meeting has been confirmed yet. The planned gathering occurs against a backdrop of Saudi frustration with the U.S. response to Iranian aggression. Gulf states have borne the brunt of Iranian attacks, with countries like Kuwait and the UAE continuing to face Iranian fire even after a recent ceasefire. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have intensified their actions against Saudi Arabia, leading to U.S. requests for intervention that have strained relations.

Reports indicate that the U.S. refusal to intervene directly in the conflict with the Houthis prompted Saudi Arabia to seek intelligence assistance from Israel. Furthermore, American officials reportedly met secretly with senior Houthi representatives in Muscat, Oman, over the weekend. During these talks, facilitated by the Omani government, Houthi representatives assured that they would not attack U.S. vessels and were committed to a ceasefire agreement with Washington set for 2025. They also reportedly pledged not to harm Israeli or other commercial ships, with the exception of Saudi vessels.

Among the Houthi delegation was Mohammed Abd al-Salam, a senior figure residing in Muscat and subject to U.S. sanctions.