Trump declines Saudi crown prince's call for U.S. strikes on Houthis: reports
President Donald Trump reportedly rejected a request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to launch military strikes against the Houthis. The U.S. administration aims to avoid direct military involvement in Yemen while focusing on regional stability near Iran.
Why it matters
The decision reflects a strategic shift in U.S. foreign policy regarding Middle Eastern conflicts and military restraint.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called U.S. President Donald Trump twice on Thursday (September 10, 2026) and urged him to launch strikes against the Houthis, Axios reported, citing two U.S. officials.
Mr. Trump rejected the request, and U.S. officials said the administration does not intend to take direct military action against the Houthis at this time, the report said.
Reuters could not immediately verify the report. The White House and Saudi embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside regular business hours.
According to Axios , the U.S. is increasingly concerned about the rapidly escalating conflict in Yemen and is stepping up support for Saudi Arabia while seeking to avoid direct military involvement.
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of the U.S. Central Command, travelled to Saudi Arabia on Thursday (September 10, 2026) for urgent coordination talks, according to the report.
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