Saudi Crown Prince Presses Trump for Action Against Houthis

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has urged President Trump to take military action against the Iran-backed Houthi forces gaining ground along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. The crown prince and Trump have had several discussions about the intensifying conflict. Trump has hesitated to involve the U.S. military, choosing to offer intelligence and targeting assistance instead, according to reliable sources.

Adm. Bradley Cooper, leading U.S. Central Command, held talks in Saudi Arabia on Friday. However, a spokesperson from CENTCOM declined to confirm his location. This push from Saudi Arabia aims to create a coalition against the Houthis and safeguard the kingdom from potential Iranian retaliation.

The concern is that attacking the Houthis might provoke Iran to retaliate against Saudi Arabia.

This coalition aims to shield Saudi Arabia if Iran responds aggressively. The question of U.S. involvement if Saudi Arabia takes military action remains. The situation in U.S.-Saudi negotiations is evolving.

The Houthis have recently captured the strategic port of Mokha, tightening their control around the vital Bab al-Mandeb Strait. This development grants them further leverage over this crucial chokepoint. Recently, oil prices have been near $100 a barrel, with warnings they could reach $120 due to ongoing conflict.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has affirmed close monitoring of the Yemen situation. Meanwhile, the U.S. remains in ongoing discussions with Saudi Arabia and Yemen to address regional stability. Trump has indicated a preference for limited military involvement unless essential. At a recent convention, Trump emphasized the strength of the U.S. military but cautioned against allowing Iran to develop a nuclear weapon.

This week saw an escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions, marked by U.S. forces destroying Iranian oil tankers and Iranian missile strikes on a U.S. base in Jordan. These developments underline the rising conflict, with U.S. defenses launching multiple counter-missiles to protect their assets.