Trump Rejects Saudi Request for Action Against Houthi Militia, US Media Reports

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has rejected a request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to launch military action against the Houthi militia over the growing threat to shipping in the Red Sea, according to US media reports.

US news website Axios reported that Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Trump by telephone twice on Thursday and urged the US president to take action against the Houthi militia over attacks and threats affecting the Red Sea.

According to the report, Trump declined to launch a new US military campaign against the Houthi militia.

Axios reported that Trump has instructed the US military to maintain its primary focus on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz rather than opening another military front in Yemen.

The report said the US president was reluctant to expand the conflict by directly engaging the Houthi militia in Yemen.

Washington is instead expected to provide Saudi Arabia with intelligence and targeting information while focusing on protecting freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

Regional allies would be expected to take the lead in dealing with the Houthi militia, according to the report.

Axios said American military and civilian officials have remained in contact with their Saudi counterparts over the past several weeks amid growing concerns about attacks in the region.

US Central Command commander Admiral Brad Cooper also travelled to Saudi Arabia on Thursday for emergency consultations, according to the report.

The Saudi embassy in Washington and the White House declined to comment on the reported telephone calls and discussions.

The reported discussions follow attacks attributed to the Houthi militia, also known as Ansarullah, in Saudi Arabia several days earlier.

According to the information provided, the attacks left 73 people injured, including women and children.

The latest developments have increased pressure on Saudi Arabia to strengthen its defences while Washington appears focused on preventing the opening of another major military front as tensions with Iran remain high.

The reported decision also highlights the differing priorities of Riyadh and Washington, with Saudi Arabia seeking stronger action against the Houthi militia while the Trump administration remains focused on the confrontation with Iran and maritime security around the Strait of Hormuz.