WASHINGTON / YEMEN — U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s request for direct U.S. airstrikes against Houthi forces in Yemen, as the Iran-aligned group advances along the country’s Red Sea coast.
According to Axios, citing two U.S. officials, Mohammed bin Salman called Trump twice on Thursday. During the first call, he briefed Trump on the worsening military situation as Houthi forces advanced on the strategic coastal city of Mokha (Mocha). Several hours later, the Saudi crown prince called again and urged Trump to order direct U.S. strikes. Trump declined, with U.S. officials saying Washington does not currently plan to take direct military action against the Houthis.
The United States is nevertheless increasing support for Saudi Arabia. The Trump administration has agreed to provide intelligence and targeting data on Houthi positions. About 200 U.S. military personnel are also in Saudi Arabia providing non-kinetic support. Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, traveled to Saudi Arabia on Thursday for military coordination talks.
The Houthi capture of Mokha has increased concerns over shipping security because the city is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and carries a significant share of global trade. The development comes as Iran has already disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about pressure on two major regional maritime chokepoints.
Houthi forces have also advanced toward Dhubab, opposite Perim Island near the entrance to Bab el-Mandeb. Saudi-backed Yemeni forces have withdrawn from some positions to regroup.
The escalation follows a major Houthi attack in southern Saudi Arabia that injured 73 people. Saudi Arabia responded with around 40 airstrikes across several Yemeni governorates, including Taiz, Hodeida, Al-Jawf and Marib.
A senior Trump administration official said Washington wants to keep the Red Sea open while allowing regional partners to lead the broader military response. U.S. officials have also told Saudi counterparts that American forces should remain focused on Iran and safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz rather than opening another military front.
The White House and Saudi Embassy in Washington declined to comment on the Axios report, while Reuters said it could not immediately verify all of the reported details.
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