Saudi Arabian Crown Prince MBS asks Trump for US attack on Houthis

According to Axios, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) called US President Donald Trump twice on Thursday and asked him to launch attacks against the Houthis, as the Houthis in Yemen approached a critical crossing point in the Red Sea.

Trump rejected the request, two US officials told Axios. US officials emphasized that the administration has no plans to intervene directly against the Houthis at this stage.

According to the report, as Houthi forces advanced towards the coastal city of Mokha and Saudi Arabia-backed Yemeni forces retreated, Saudi Crown Prince bin Salman called Trump to inform him about the worsening situation.

Sources said MBS called Trump again a few hours later and asked him to order US strikes against the Houthis. Trump rejected this request, but a US official said that the administration would provide intelligence and targeting data about the Houthis to Saudi Arabia. About 200 U.S. military personnel are currently providing non-kinetic support in Saudi Arabia, the official said.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Oil prices rose after the Houthis captured a strategically important coastal city in Yemen on Thursday. This move by the Houthis brought them closer to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical route for global trade and Saudi oil exports.

It was stated that the Houthis' control over Bab al-Mandeb could be a strong trump card for Tehran to put pressure on the USA and its allies in the Gulf, as Iran has already disrupted maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

On the other hand, the United States is concerned about the rapidly escalating conflict in Yemen and is increasing its support for Saudi Arabia while trying to avoid direct military intervention.

Two sources with knowledge of the matter said that US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper went to Saudi Arabia on Thursday for emergency coordination meetings.

"THE PRIORITY IS TO LEAVE THE RED SEA OPEN"

A senior Trump administration official said Washington's priority is to keep the Red Sea open and will leave the broader fight to its regional partners.

"While the United States focuses on protecting our core national security interests, such as ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, it empowers our regional partners to take leadership in managing and resolving regional security issues. We are in constant dialogue with Saudi Arabia and the Government of the Republic of Yemen regarding regional stability," the official said.