3 hrs ago
MBS Asked Trump Twice for Houthi Strikes; Trump Declined
Saudi Arabia is fighting Houthi forces in Yemen.
The Houthis moved closer to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, an important waterway for ships and oil exports.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman asked U.S. President Donald Trump twice to order American attacks against the Houthis.
Trump said no.
The United States does not currently plan to send its forces directly into the fighting in Yemen.
Instead, it offered Saudi Arabia intelligence and information for choosing targets.
American officials said U.S. forces should remain focused on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States still wants ships to be able to travel safely through the Red Sea.
The fighting has raised concerns about trade and oil supplies.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly called Donald Trump twice on Thursday seeking U.S. strikes against the Houthis.
Trump declined, while U.S. officials said Washington has no plans to intervene directly in Yemen.
Houthi forces reportedly seized a strategic coastal city and advanced toward the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The United States offered Saudi Arabia intelligence and targeting information while keeping about 200 personnel there for non-kinetic support.
U.S. Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper traveled to Saudi Arabia for urgent coordination meetings.
- Who
- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, U.S. President Donald Trump, Houthi forces, Saudi Arabia, and U.S. officials.
- What
- Mohammed bin Salman reportedly requested U.S. strikes against the Houthis twice, but Trump declined.
- Where
- The conflict is in Yemen, near the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea; coordination also took place in Saudi Arabia.
- When
- Thursday, September 10, 2026, according to the article; the report was published September 11, 2026.
- Why
- Saudi Arabia sought U.S. action after Houthi forces advanced toward a key maritime chokepoint and threatened regional shipping and energy routes.
Saudi Arabia’s Position
United States’ Position
Direct military action
Saudi Arabia’s Position
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sought U.S. strikes after Houthi forces advanced toward the Bab al-Mandab Strait and threatened regional shipping and energy routes.
United States’ Position
President Donald Trump declined to authorize direct U.S. strikes, and officials said Washington does not currently plan to intervene directly in Yemen.
How to address the conflict
Saudi Arabia’s Position
Saudi Arabia has increasingly sought U.S. assistance as the fighting intensified, after previously indicating it could manage the Houthi threat without American military involvement.
United States’ Position
The United States says regional partners should take the lead, while Washington provides intelligence, targeting information, and other support.
U.S. military priorities
Saudi Arabia’s Position
Saudi Arabia’s request reflected concern that Houthi control near the maritime chokepoint could give Iran and its allies additional leverage.
United States’ Position
U.S. officials said American forces should remain focused on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz rather than opening another military front in Yemen.
Key facts
- Reported request
- Mohammed bin Salman called Trump twice and urged U.S. strikes against the Houthis.
- Trump’s response
- Trump declined the request.
- U.S. policy
- U.S. officials said Washington currently has no plans to intervene directly against the Houthis in Yemen.
- U.S. assistance
- The United States offered Saudi Arabia intelligence and targeting information.
- U.S. personnel in Saudi Arabia
- About 200 U.S. military personnel are providing non-kinetic support, according to a U.S. official.
- Strategic waterway
- The Bab al-Mandab Strait links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is important for global trade and Saudi oil exports.
- Military coordination
- U.S. Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper traveled to Saudi Arabia for urgent meetings.
Quotes
A senior Trump administration official
A senior US administration official discussing Washington’s regional security priorities
“The United States is focused on protecting our core national security interests- such as ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea- while empowering our regional partners to take the lead in managing and resolving regional security challenges,”
news18.com
Sources
Related news
Houthis Seize Yemen’s Mocha, Raising Fresh Red Sea Shipping Risks
Six Killed in Houthi Attack as Middle East Conflict Escalates
Houthis Seize Mocha, Tightening Grip on Bab el-Mandeb
81 Killed as Houthis Push Toward Key Red Sea Chokepoint
Houthis Near Control of Strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait
Trump Predicts Iran War Ends After Midterm Elections
Rupee Slides to 95.79 as Oil and Outflows Weigh
Brent Crude Rises Above $110 Amid Supply Disruption Concerns
Hormuz Shipping Traffic Falls to Seven Vessels, Data Shows
Trump Defends Iran War, Says Nuclear Threat Justified Action
