Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called US President Donald Trump twice on Thursday and urged him to launch strikes against Houthi forces in Yemen. Trump rejected the request, according to a report by Axios that cited two US officials.
The first call came as Houthi forces advanced toward the coastal city of Mokha and Saudi-backed Yemeni units retreated. Mohammed bin Salman briefed Trump on the deteriorating situation. Several hours later, the crown prince called again and pressed for direct US military strikes. Trump declined once more.
US officials stated that the administration does not intend to take direct military action against the Houthis at this time. Instead, Washington agreed to share intelligence and targeting data with Saudi Arabia. Approximately 200 US military personnel already stationed in the kingdom continue to provide non-kinetic support.
Meanwhile, Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of the US Central Command, traveled to Saudi Arabia on Thursday for urgent coordination talks. US military and civilian officials have told their Saudi counterparts in recent weeks that Trump’s directive keeps American forces focused on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. They aim to avoid opening another military front.
A senior Trump administration official told Axios that the United States prioritizes core national security interests. “The United States is focused on protecting our core national security interests — such as ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea — while empowering our regional partners to take the lead in managing and resolving regional security challenges,” the official said. The official added, “We are in continuous dialogue with Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Yemen Government regarding regional stability.”
The Houthi advance on Mokha brought the group closer to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a key shipping route. Reuters could not independently verify the Axios report. The White House and the Saudi embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
