US to share Houthi intelligence with Saudi Arabia but rejects direct action

WASHINGTON: The United States has decided to provide Saudi Arabia with intelligence and targeting information on Yemen’s Houthi movement, but has no immediate plans to launch direct military action against the group, according to a US official.

The decision comes as concerns grow over the security threat posed by the Houthis in and around the Red Sea, a strategically important shipping route that has faced repeated attacks and heightened regional tensions.

According to foreign media reports, the US official said Washington would share intelligence related to Houthi activities with Saudi authorities, including information that could help identify potential targets. The move would strengthen Saudi Arabia’s ability to monitor and respond to threats while keeping US forces out of direct combat operations against the group.

Around 200 US military personnel are already stationed in Saudi Arabia, where they are providing non-combat assistance, the official said. However, the US administration currently has no intention of becoming directly involved in military operations against the Houthis.

The decision follows reported high-level contacts between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US President Donald Trump over the growing threat in the Red Sea.

A US news website previously reported that the Saudi crown prince spoke with Trump twice by telephone in a single day and urged the US president to take action against the Houthis.

However, according to the report, Trump declined to commit to direct US military action against the group.

The latest US position reflects a cautious approach to the escalating regional security situation. Rather than deploying American forces for offensive operations, Washington appears prepared to support Saudi Arabia through intelligence sharing and other forms of assistance.

For Riyadh, access to US intelligence and targeting data could provide greater situational awareness as it assesses potential Houthi threats. For Washington, the approach allows it to support a key regional partner without immediately expanding its own military involvement in Yemen.

The Houthis have emerged as a major security concern in the region, particularly because of their attacks and threats affecting shipping routes around the Red Sea.

The US decision therefore leaves the next move largely with Saudi Arabia, while Washington maintains that direct American military intervention against the Houthis is not currently on the table.