Israel’s Chief of General Staff conducted high-level discussions with senior United States defense officials in Washington against the backdrop of escalating tensions with Iran, underscoring deepening strategic cooperation between the two allies as the situation in the Middle East remains volatile.

The meetings, held over several days, coincided with coordinated diplomatic and military efforts by Washington and Jerusalem to address rising concerns about Iran’s nuclear and missile activities and the risk of confrontation.

According to reports from multiple outlets, including U.S. and Israeli sources, Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir met with key figures at the Pentagon, the White House and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, focusing on shared defense priorities should military options against Iran be considered.

The talks were part of wider consultations this week in Washington involving senior security and intelligence officials from both countries, who aimed to ensure alignment on strategy and readiness amid a substantial U.S. military presence being deployed in the region.

This deployment includes naval assets and air forces positioned across the Gulf as part of deterrence and potential response planning.

Officials said the discussions reflected the longstanding professional relationship between the Israeli Defence Forces and the U.S. military and highlighted mutual commitment to addressing threats posed by Iran.

In parallel, U.S. diplomatic channels are engaging Tehran with an offer to negotiate a nuclear-related deal, though Iranian leaders have expressed scepticism and conditional openness to talks.

These diplomatic efforts, coordinated by regional intermediaries, aim to avert conflict even as military planners continue close coordination.

The meetings in Washington took place amid heightened global focus on Iran’s posture, with Tehran signalling readiness for both negotiation and defence, and issuing stern warnings about any possible military action.

U.S. contacts with regional partners, including Israel and Gulf states, point to an integrated approach combining diplomatic outreach, sanctions and military preparedness as Washington and its allies seek to manage a complex and potentially explosive security environment in the Middle East.