The top U.S. and Israeli generals held talks at the Pentagon on Friday as tensions with Iran continue to escalate, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Sunday, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The meeting, which has not previously been reported, brought together U.S. General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Eyal Zamir, Israel’s chief of the general staff. The officials declined to provide details of the closed door discussions.
The talks took place against a backdrop of heightened military alert across the Middle East. The United States has increased its naval presence in the region and reinforced air defences in recent weeks as President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned Iran, seeking to pressure Tehran back to the negotiating table.
Iran’s leadership responded on Sunday by warning that any U.S. attack could trigger a wider regional conflict. Iranian officials have said such a move would provoke a strong response and risk destabilising the Middle East further.
Rising Regional Military Posture
U.S. military deployments have expanded as Washington seeks to deter potential escalation. The bolstered presence includes additional naval assets and strengthened air defence systems, reflecting growing concern over the risk of confrontation.
Although the Pentagon has not commented publicly on the meeting, the timing underscores the close coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv as they assess potential scenarios involving Iran and its regional activities.
Israel has repeatedly said it views Iran as its most serious security threat, citing Tehran’s missile programme and support for armed groups across the region. The United States has echoed concerns about Iran’s actions while maintaining that it prefers a diplomatic solution.
Israeli Follow Up Talks
Following his Washington visit, Zamir met on Sunday with Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, according to a statement from Katz’s office. The meeting focused on the evolving regional situation and the Israeli military’s operational readiness.
The statement said Katz and Zamir reviewed preparations for a range of possible scenarios, signalling continued vigilance amid uncertainty over Iran’s next moves.
While neither side disclosed whether specific military options were discussed during the Pentagon talks, the sequence of meetings highlights intensified consultations between the United States and Israel as tensions rise.
Diplomatic efforts to defuse the situation remain uncertain, with sharp rhetoric continuing on both sides. For now, military planners appear focused on deterrence and preparedness as the region faces renewed instability.
With inputs from Reuters
