Riyadh: Saudi Arabia is reportedly weighing further military action against Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement after Washington declined a request for direct U.S. strikes, according to reports citing officials familiar with the situation.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly asked U.S. President Donald Trump for military assistance as Houthi forces advanced along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and threatened the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Washington has so far ruled out direct attacks but is providing intelligence-sharing and targeting support to Riyadh.
The situation has intensified after Houthi forces reportedly seized strategic positions near the Red Sea chokepoint. Saudi-backed Yemeni forces are preparing counterattacks, while regional officials warn that further escalation could widen the conflict and threaten international shipping and energy supplies.
Saudi Arabia has not publicly confirmed that it has decided to launch a new military operation. Any major escalation could also increase the risk of Iranian retaliation and further destabilize the region.
