Trump Rejects Saudi Request for Strikes on Houthis, Axios Reports
US President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman amid rising tensions over Yemen and the Red Sea.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly urged US President Donald Trump to launch strikes against Yemen’s Houthis during two phone calls on Thursday, according to Axios, which cited two US officials.
Trump rejected the request, the report said. US officials also indicated that the administration does not currently plan to launch direct military action against the Houthis.
Reuters said it could not immediately independently verify the report. The White House and Saudi Embassy in Washington also did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside regular business hours.
US Seeks to Avoid Another Military Front
According to Axios, Washington is increasingly concerned about the rapidly worsening conflict in Yemen.
The United States is increasing support for Saudi Arabia while seeking to avoid direct military involvement, the report said.
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, traveled to Saudi Arabia on Thursday for urgent coordination talks, according to the report.
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US military and civilian officials have also told Saudi counterparts that Trump’s current directive is to keep American forces focused on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.
Washington also wants to avoid opening another military front, Axios reported.
Saudi Arabia Seeks Protection for Red Sea Shipping
Saudi Arabia has faced growing security concerns over Houthi attacks in and around the Red Sea.
Reuters reported in July that Riyadh was seeking to build an international coalition to protect commercial shipping from Houthi attacks.
The effort comes as tensions around Yemen continue to increase and risks to regional shipping routes grow.
Conflict Escalates Around Sanaa
The latest escalation dates back to early July.
The Houthis said their forces confronted Saudi “warplanes” that were attempting to prevent an Iranian civilian aircraft from landing at Sanaa International Airport.
The developments have added pressure on Saudi Arabia and its regional partners.
For Washington, the situation presents a difficult balance. The United States wants to support Saudi security interests while keeping its military focus on Iran and protecting strategic energy routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
