Trump rejects Saudi request for direct US military action against Houthis
US President Donald Trump has rejected a request from Saudi Arabia for direct American military action against Yemen’s Houthi forces, as Washington seeks to avoid becoming directly involved in the escalating conflict, according to a report cited by Reuters.
US officials said the Trump administration currently has no plans to launch direct military operations against the Houthis, the report said.
Reuters said it could not immediately independently verify the report. The White House and the Saudi Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside regular business hours.
According to Axios, Washington is increasingly concerned about the rapidly intensifying conflict in Yemen and is strengthening support for Saudi Arabia while seeking to avoid opening another direct military front.
US Central Command commander Admiral Brad Cooper travelled to Saudi Arabia on Thursday for urgent coordination talks, Axios reported.
US military and civilian officials have also told their Saudi counterparts in recent weeks that Trump has directed American forces to remain focused on Iran and the security of the Strait of Hormuz, while avoiding a new military front in Yemen, according to the report.
The development comes as Saudi Arabia seeks greater international support to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea from attacks by the Houthis. Reuters reported in July that Riyadh was working to build an international coalition aimed at safeguarding maritime traffic in the strategically important waterway.
Tensions have intensified since early July, when the Houthis said their forces confronted Saudi “warplanes” that were attempting to prevent an Iranian civilian aircraft from landing at Sanaa International Airport.
The latest developments underscore the growing complexity of the regional conflict, with Saudi Arabia seeking stronger international backing while Washington appears determined to limit its direct military involvement and keep its forces focused on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.