Archive · 11 Sep 2026
MBS Asked Trump Twice for Houthi Strikes; Trump Declined
Saudi Arabia is fighting Houthi forces in Yemen.
The Houthis moved closer to a narrow waterway called the Bab el-Mandeb.
Many ships carrying oil and other goods use this route.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly asked President Donald Trump twice to order American attacks.
Trump said no.
U.S. officials said they want American forces to focus on Iran and another important waterway, the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States still offered information and targeting help to Saudi Arabia.
About 200 U.S. military personnel are already in Saudi Arabia for non-combat support.
The fighting could make shipping and oil exports more difficult.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly called Donald Trump twice on Thursday seeking U.S. strikes against Yemen’s Houthis.
Trump declined, while U.S. officials said Washington does not currently plan direct military action against the group.
Houthi forces advanced along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and reportedly captured Mocha, Perim Island and Dhubab.
The advance brought the Houthis closer to the Bab el-Mandeb, a key shipping route linking the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The United States offered Saudi Arabia intelligence and targeting support while keeping about 200 personnel there for non-kinetic assistance.
- Who
- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, U.S. President Donald Trump, Houthi forces, Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
- What
- Mohammed bin Salman reportedly requested U.S. strikes against the Houthis twice, but Trump declined and offered support short of direct intervention.
- When
- Thursday, September 10, 2026, according to the reports; the articles were published September 11, 2026.
- Where
- The fighting is occurring along Yemen’s Red Sea coast near Mocha, Perim Island, Dhubab and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
- Why
- Saudi Arabia sought greater U.S. help after Houthi forces advanced toward a strategic maritime chokepoint and threatened shipping and oil-export routes.
Saudi Arabia’s Position
United States’ Position
Direct military action
Saudi Arabia’s Position
Saudi Arabia sought U.S. strikes as Houthi forces advanced toward the Bab el-Mandeb and threatened regional shipping and energy routes.
United States’ Position
Trump declined the request, and U.S. officials said the administration currently has no plans for direct military action against the Houthis.
Managing the Houthi threat
Saudi Arabia’s Position
Riyadh increasingly sought U.S. assistance after previously saying it could handle the Houthi threat without direct American military involvement.
United States’ Position
Washington intends to support Saudi Arabia with intelligence, targeting information and coordination while allowing regional partners to lead the wider response.
U.S. military priorities
Saudi Arabia’s Position
Saudi Arabia’s appeal reflected concern that Houthi advances could threaten its oil-export routes and give Iran and its allies additional leverage.
United States’ Position
U.S. officials said American forces should focus on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz instead of opening another military front in Yemen.
- Reported calls
- Mohammed bin Salman reportedly called Trump twice on Thursday: first to brief him and later to request U.S. strikes.
- Trump’s response
- Trump declined to authorize direct U.S. military action against the Houthis.
- U.S. priority
- U.S. officials said American forces should remain focused on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz rather than open another front in Yemen.
- U.S. assistance
- Washington offered Saudi Arabia intelligence and targeting information on Houthi forces.
- U.S. personnel
- About 200 U.S. military personnel are in Saudi Arabia providing non-kinetic support.
- Strategic waterway
- The Bab el-Mandeb links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and carries trade, fuel and oil shipments.
- Verification
- Axios attributed the account to two U.S. officials; Reuters said it could not independently verify the reported calls, and the White House and Saudi embassy did not immediately comment.
