Saudi Crown Prince Seeks Trump's Help in Yemen as Global Shipping Threat Looms
The US is closely monitoring the escalating conflict in Yemen, where Saudi Arabia's crown prince has urged President Trump to strike Houthi forces amid concerns about a potential new threat to global shipping.
The Red Sea, which connects the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal, is a critical trade route for oil exports from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. The Houthis' control of the Bab al-Mandab strait at the southern entrance of the Red Sea could give Iran leverage over global shipping.
The US has been providing support to Saudi Arabia in its fight against the Houthis, but Trump declined a request by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) for direct US military action. Instead, the administration will provide intelligence and targeting data to help Saudi forces strike Houthi positions.