High-stakes diplomacy unfolded behind closed doors Thursday as Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman slipped into the White House for confidential talks with President Trump about de-escalating Middle East tensions and expanding peace agreements.

Sources with knowledge of the meeting tell Fox News that discussions centered on reducing friction with Iran and creating pathways to broader regional stability. Prince Khalid, who goes by “KBS” in diplomatic circles, delivered messages from his brother Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman while exploring next steps after the recent Israel-Iran war.

Stay informed with JBN email alerts! Get the latest updates on breaking stories, global events, and community news directly in your inbox.

Israel’s 12-day heroic military campaign against Iran beginning June 13 involved over 200 aircraft dropping more than 330 munitions on approximately 100 targets across Iran. U.S. intelligence agencies say Iran’s nuclear program suffered severe damage, with “several key Iranian nuclear facilities destroyed and would have to be rebuilt over the course of years.”

“There was progress and optimism on all fronts,” one source said about the secret White House session.

Besides Iran, the Abraham Accords expansion dominated much of the discussion. Saudi Arabia had been moving toward Israeli normalization before Hamas’s October 7 massacre halted momentum, but Iran’s weakened position has since revived those prospects. U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff said Wednesday he is conducting “successful” talks with several other Arab countries about joining, predicting “a flood of announcements in the coming weeks.”

Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported the White House is seeking Abraham Accords expansion with “Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Lebanon, following the end of hostilities between Israel and Iran.”

Syrian engagement appears most advanced. Israeli National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi confirmed last week that Israel and Syria maintain “daily direct contact” while discussing normalization possibilities. Trump also reportedly told Syrian President al-Sharaa in May to “fully normalize relations with Israel in exchange for sanctions relief.”

Economic incentives could also help sweeten diplomatic deals as Saudi commitments include $600 billion in U.S. investments alongside defense cooperation agreements currently being finalized between Riyadh and Washington.

    Eddie July 5, 2025 4:08 am

    If I may use the term: as his Honorable President Trump
    might place it, It is a beautiful thing he is doing to initiate and broker peace between a hostile and seeker for peace. But as Prophecy has it, without HASHEM ELOHIM a defense might become another invisible offense, as drunk man in total darkness with a bunch of keys attempt to open the door to enter his home.

Comments (1)