Saudi crown prince urged Trump to strike Houthis amid Red Sea threat

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reached out to President Trump twice on Thursday, urging him to launch military strikes against the Iranian-backed Houthis. The Houthis had closed in on a crucial Red Sea chokepoint, threatening a vital artery for global trade and Saudi oil exports. U.S. officials confirmed that Trump declined the prince's requests, stating that the administration has no current plans to intervene directly against the Houthis.

The escalation in Yemen has raised concerns among U.S. officials, who are bolstering support for Saudi Arabia while avoiding direct military involvement. Adm. Brad Cooper, the commander of U.S. Central Command, visited Saudi Arabia to coordinate urgent meetings. The Saudi-Houthi conflict escalated in July when Riyadh prevented an Iranian plane from landing in Sanaa, leading to retaliatory attacks on Saudi tankers and energy facilities.

As the situation worsened, MBS requested direct U.S. military action, but Trump declined, emphasizing that American forces should focus on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Despite Trump's decision, the U.S. administration will provide Saudi Arabia with intelligence and targeting data.