Saudis plan major offensive against the Houthis, but U.S. won't join for now

Saudi Arabia and Yemen's government forces are set to mount a major offensive against the Iran-backed Houthis in the coming days, according to two U.S. officials. The aim is to expel the Houthis from areas along the Red Sea coast that control the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which is crucial for global trade and Saudi oil exports. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have recently seized control of key areas on the southern Red Sea coast and have ramped up missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia. In response, the Saudis have conducted airstrikes against Houthi targets.

A U.S. official revealed that the Saudi plans for the offensive have been in the works for weeks and received approval from the Saudi leadership a few days prior. The operation will involve ground forces loyal to Yemen's internationally recognized government, supported by Saudi air power. On Thursday, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid Bin Salman briefed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the planned operation and reiterated the request for U.S. airstrikes against Houthi targets. However, the U.S. has declined to engage in direct military action at this time.

President Trump had nearly authorized a strike on the Houthis last week following a request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), but ultimately decided against it. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) expressed concerns about launching strikes in Yemen, deeming it a distraction from its focus on Iran. U.S. officials have provided Saudi forces with over 200 Houthi targets for airstrikes over the past two weeks, contributing to increased pressure on the Houthis.