Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has urged President Trump to consider military action against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The Houthis have made significant advancements along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. Two sources confirmed to CBS News that Trump and the crown prince have had multiple discussions recently about the deteriorating situation in the region.
Despite bin Salman’s efforts, Trump has opted for offering intelligence and targeting support rather than direct military involvement. One source disclosed that Adm. Bradley Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, was recently in Saudi Arabia for talks, though a CENTCOM spokesperson did not comment on his movements.
The initiative by Saudi Arabia aims to form a coalition against the Houthis and safeguard the kingdom from possible Iranian retaliation. There’s considerable concern over Iran’s potential response if the Houthis face attacks. Iran’s perceived abandonment of groups like Hezbollah and Hamas has intensified this worry. Iran’s potential retaliation could target Saudi Arabia, explaining the push for coalition support.
Axios initially reported the crown prince’s conversations with Trump and the Saudi request for U.S. military action. The Houthis have recently seized control of Mokha’s strategic port, further consolidating their hold on the vital Bab al-Mandeb Strait. It is reported that the Yemeni government confirmed the Houthis now control all the islands in the strait, enhancing their leverage over this crucial chokepoint.
Oil prices have risen to about $100 a barrel due to ongoing conflict in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea, with predictions of reaching $120 if hostilities persist. Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked that the U.S. is monitoring the situation closely. Nevertheless, the State Department has not commented on these developments.
A senior administration official emphasized the focus on safeguarding key national security interests, including freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, while empowering regional partners. The U.S. maintains continuous dialogue with Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government concerning regional stability.
Trump has expressed hesitation to expand U.S. military involvement unless absolutely necessary, as indicated by sources familiar with these talks. During a speech at the Republican midterm convention, Trump stated the U.S. had built the strongest military globally and stressed preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Recent escalations in U.S.-Iran tensions have seen U.S. forces destroy five Iranian oil tankers following ballistic missile strikes on a U.S. Navy vessel by Iranian forces. Tehran also launched missiles at a U.S. base in Jordan, damaging American military aircraft. U.S. forces in Jordan responded with over 30 Patriot missiles to counter the Iranian offensive.
Charlie D’Agata also contributed to this report.