Saudi crown prince, U.S. CENTCOM chief discuss developments after Houthi escalation
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with U.S. CENTCOM chief Admiral Brad Cooper to discuss regional security amid escalating Houthi attacks. While the U.S. has declined to conduct direct strikes, it has agreed to provide intelligence and targeting assistance to Riyadh.
Why it matters
The escalation of Houthi attacks on energy infrastructure and shipping lanes poses a significant threat to global oil markets and maritime security.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed regional developments with U.S. Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper in Jeddah on Monday (September 14, 2026), Saudi state media said, amid escalating hostilities with Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis.
The meeting comes days after three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters the crown prince had sought military assistance from U.S. President Donald Trump to help fight the Houthis.
Mr. Trump did not agree to U.S. strikes on the group, but Washington told Riyadh it would provide intelligence-sharing and targeting assistance, the sources added.
The Houthis have stepped up attacks on Saudi cities and energy infrastructure while advancing along Yemen’s Red Sea coast towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key shipping route.
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