Saudi Arabia Urges U.S. Military Action Against Houthis

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has pushed President Trump to take military action against the Iran-backed Houthis. Houthi forces are advancing rapidly along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, increasing tensions in the region. Two sources familiar with the matter revealed that Trump and the crown prince have discussed the situation multiple times recently.

Despite the pressure from bin Salman, Trump has so far avoided direct U.S. military involvement. Instead, he has offered intelligence and targeting support. These discussions are sensitive, and the sources requested anonymity.

Admiral Bradley Cooper, the commander of U.S. Central Command, was reported to be in Saudi Arabia for coordination discussions. A spokesperson for CENTCOM declined to comment on his location.

The Saudi effort aims to form a coalition against the Houthis and protect the kingdom from possible Iranian retaliation.

A source noted that Iran could retaliate against Saudi Arabia if the Houthis are attacked. “There’s concern about how Iran might respond, especially if they’re seen as retreating from Hezbollah and Hamas,” the source shared.

U.S.-Saudi talks continue as conditions remain fluid. The crown prince’s requests for U.S. military action were first reported by Axios.

The Houthis have captured the strategic port of Mokha and taken control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait’s final two islands, increasing their leverage over this key chokepoint. Recent fighting could push oil prices as high as $120 a barrel, analysts warn.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation in Yemen. While the State Department did not immediately comment, a senior official highlighted the U.S. focus on core national security interests, such as ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

Trump has shown reluctance to involve the U.S. military further unless necessary. At a recent Republican convention, he boasted about the strength of the U.S. military, but emphasized that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon.

The conflict between the U.S. and Iran intensified this week. U.S. forces destroyed five Iranian oil tankers after Iranian forces targeted a U.S. Navy vessel with ballistic missiles. Tehran also launched missiles at a U.S. military base in Jordan, damaging multiple aircraft.

In defense, U.S. forces in Jordan fired over 30 Patriot missiles against the Iranian strikes, according to CBS News.