Saudi Crown Prince Seeks US Help Against Houthi Threat
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reached out to US President Donald Trump for assistance in fighting Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis. The two leaders had at least two phone conversations on Thursday, with the US ultimately offering intelligence sharing and targeting help rather than direct military action.
The request from the Saudi leader marks a change in approach as the Houthis have stepped up their threat to the Red Sea. If they gain control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, it could give Iran a significant advantage in its conflict with the US, potentially disrupting oil supplies and driving up prices.
Trump's war with Iran has been ongoing for seven months, with no immediate end in sight. The conflict has driven up global oil prices and US gasoline prices, contributing to President Trump's low approval ratings ahead of the November midterm elections.