The top diplomatic and security officials of the Trump administration held a secret meeting on October 2 at Camp David, the presidential retreat, to discuss responses to the situation in the Middle East.
According to a report by Axios on October 3, the meeting, chaired by Vice President JD Vance, included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Cain.
One official noted that during the meeting convened to address Middle Eastern issues, "some decisions were made or at least in-depth discussions took place."
Axios characterized the Trump administration's decision to hold a secret meeting at Camp David without prior public notice as highly unusual.
This meeting comes as the U.S. has entered a prolonged conflict with Iran, which began in February, and has now lasted over six months.
In particular, President Trump has faced rising fuel prices and declining public opinion due to the ongoing Middle East war, leading him to repeatedly threaten military action against Iran ahead of next month's midterm elections.
Last month, Iran proposed a 'seven-day plan' that included reopening the Strait of Hormuz to restore peace negotiations, but President Trump rejected it. Subsequent amendments mediated by Qatar have also stalled.
Amid these developments, President Trump is considering resuming military operations against Iran, applying strong pressure for the acceptance of U.S. demands.
During a meeting with reporters on October 1, President Trump stated, "We must make a decision now," adding, "Iran must either sign the agreement or cease to exist, one of the two." In a recent speech at the United Nations General Assembly, he escalated his rhetoric, claiming that Iran could be annihilated.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.