Houthi gains test Trump’s limits on US military involvement and ties with Saudi Arabia
President Donald Trump is resisting calls for direct US military intervention against Houthi forces in Yemen despite their recent attacks on Saudi infrastructure. The administration is prioritizing diplomatic monitoring and intelligence support over expanding military involvement.
Why it matters
This reflects a shift in US foreign policy strategy regarding Middle Eastern conflicts and the administration's desire to avoid new military fronts.
The Houthis’ latest advances along Yemen’s Red Sea coast mark a significant escalation amid the war with Iran, but US President <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/donald-trump/" target="_blank" rel="" title="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/donald-trump/">Donald Trump</a> has so far resisted greater military involvement in the region. After the Iran-backed group seized the strategic port city of Mokha last week and launched <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/2026/09/11/saudi-arabia-closes-east-west-oil-pipeline-following-attacks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" title="https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/2026/09/11/saudi-arabia-closes-east-west-oil-pipeline-following-attacks/">missiles and drones</a> at Saudi Arabia, Mr Trump declined Saudi requests to conduct strikes against the Houthis, even after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged him to intervene. Washington instead offered intelligence support, according to reports. “We’ve had discussions. The Houthis called us and they don’t want to fight with us,” Mr Trump said over the weekend, adding that they “don’t want us to go after them” and “would much prefer not having us involved".
Also covering this story
12 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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