Saudi Crown Prince urges Trump to strike Houthis

Saudi Crown Prince urges Trump to strike Houthis

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly urged US President Donald Trump to launch military strikes against Yemen’s Houthi movement during two phone calls on Thursday, as tensions surrounding the conflict in Yemen continue to escalate.

According to a report by Axios, citing two US officials, the Saudi crown prince contacted Trump twice and pressed the US president to consider direct military action against the Houthis. Trump, however, rejected the request, with US officials saying the administration currently has no plans to launch its own strikes against the group.

The report highlights growing concern in Washington and Riyadh over the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has increasingly sought stronger US support as the conflict intensifies, while the Trump administration appears focused on assisting its regional partner without becoming directly involved in another military campaign.

US officials are also closely monitoring developments in the region as the Houthis remain a major security concern. The group has previously carried out attacks linked to the wider regional conflict, raising fears that further escalation could threaten shipping routes and increase instability across the Middle East.

As part of Washington’s efforts to coordinate with Saudi Arabia, US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper travelled to the kingdom on Thursday for urgent discussions, according to Axios. His visit comes as the United States seeks closer coordination with Saudi officials over the evolving situation and possible security threats.

The reported Saudi request places the Trump administration in a difficult position as it weighs regional security concerns against the risks of direct military involvement. Any US strikes on the Houthis could further widen the conflict and potentially draw Washington into a broader confrontation in the region.

Reuters said it could not independently verify the Axios report. The White House and the Saudi Embassy in Washington had not immediately responded to requests for comment made outside regular business hours.

For now, US officials maintain that Washington does not intend to take direct military action against the Houthis, although the administration continues to provide support and coordinate with Saudi Arabia as tensions remain high.