Saudis Urge U.S. Military Action Against Houthis in Yemen

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has actively urged President Trump to launch military action against the Iran-backed Houthis, as these forces rapidly progress along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. According to two sources, Trump and Prince Salman have engaged in several discussions about the escalating conflict.

Despite the crown prince’s appeals, Trump has refrained from using the U.S. military directly. Instead, he has offered intelligence and targeting support to Saudi Arabia. This information comes from sources who spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the talks.

Admiral Bradley Cooper, leading the U.S. Central Command, was reportedly in Saudi Arabia for coordination discussions. A CENTCOM representative chose not to comment on his location.

The aim of the Saudi initiative is to create a coalition aimed at countering the Houthis and safeguarding Saudi Arabia from potential Iranian counterattacks.

Sources expressed concern over possible Iranian retaliation if the Houthis are attacked. There is speculation about whether Saudi involvement could prompt U.S. military support.

The Houthis have taken control of the strategic port of Mokha and strengthened their hold over the Bab al-Mandeb Strait by seizing two more islands. This strategic position could impact global oil prices, which have hovered around $100 a barrel.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation. A senior administration official emphasized the focus on national security interests, like maintaining free navigation in the Red Sea while empowering regional partners to handle local security issues.

U.S. forces recently destroyed five Iranian oil tankers following Iran’s ballistic missile attack on a U.S. Navy vessel and a military base in Jordan. In response, the U.S. deployed over 30 Patriot missiles to counter the Iranian strikes.