Trump Rejects Saudi Request for Direct Strikes Against Houthis
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman asked US President Donald Trump for permission to launch direct strikes against the Iran-backed Houthi group.
The request was made after a sharp escalation by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia, coupled with their advance toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The strait carries 12% of global seaborne oil trade and 8% of liquefied natural gas trade.
Trump declined the request and instead offered to share intelligence with Riyadh and support any targeting operations undertaken by Saudi Arabia independently.
The Houthi advance has put Washington in a difficult position, as their control of the Bab el-Mandeb threatens to push global energy prices higher. However, the US administration is reluctant to take direct military action due to concerns about depleting resources and destabilizing regional security.