Trump Reportedly Approves Saudi Military Operation Against Houthis as Regional Tensions Escalate

US President Donald Trump has reportedly authorized Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to launch a major military operation against Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement, according to a report citing two US officials. The reported approval came after Riyadh requested Washington’s military and diplomatic backing amid growing concerns over renewed hostilities with the Houthis.

According to the report, Saudi Arabia informed the United States of its concerns last week and sought support for potential airstrikes against Houthi targets. The diplomatic coordination reportedly included a meeting between the Saudi ambassador in Washington and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, followed by a phone call between Rubio and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan before Trump and Mohammed bin Salman held direct talks.

The latest escalation unfolded on Monday when Saudi forces launched airstrikes on Sanaa International Airport. The Houthis responded by firing ballistic missiles and drones toward Saudi Arabia, marking what analysts describe as the most serious cross-border confrontation since 2022 and raising fears that the informal four-year ceasefire may be coming to an end.

The Houthis, officially known as Ansar Allah, are a political, military, and religious movement rooted in northern Yemen and led by the Houthi family. Adhering to the Zaydi branch of Shiite Islam, the group expanded its influence amid the turmoil of the 2011 Arab Spring, eventually capturing the capital, Sanaa, in 2014. Their takeover prompted a Saudi-led military intervention in 2015, and over the following years the Houthis developed sophisticated missile and drone capabilities, carrying out attacks on strategic targets in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The prolonged conflict created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises before a UN-brokered truce in 2022 brought a significant reduction in large-scale fighting.

Experts warn that renewed fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis could further destabilize the region and deepen the broader confrontation involving the United States and Iran. The reported Saudi request for US backing before launching the operation underscores concerns in Riyadh that any prolonged conflict could require sustained American military and diplomatic assistance.

According to the report, the current crisis began around 10 days earlier when an Iranian Mahan Air aircraft landed in Houthi-controlled Sanaa for the first time in more than a decade. The flight was reportedly intended to transport a Houthi delegation to Tehran to attend the martyrdom ceremonies of Iran’s former Supreme Leader, while Saudi Arabia has long opposed such flights over concerns they could be used to transfer weapons and military personnel.

US officials alleged that the aircraft carried advanced weapons, missile components, and Iranian military advisers for the Houthis, an accusation that has not been independently verified. The Houthis rejected the allegations and claimed Saudi fighter jets had unsuccessfully attempted to prevent the Iranian aircraft from landing, warning that any future interference would be met with attacks on Saudi airports.

Following the Saudi airstrikes, the Houthis launched missile and drone attacks targeting Abha International Airport in southwestern Saudi Arabia and warned international airlines to avoid Saudi airspace until restrictions on Sanaa airport are lifted. The latest exchanges have heightened concerns over regional security, commercial aviation, and the possibility of a wider conflict in the Middle East.

Pakistan and other countries have shown deep concern over the tension and developing situation between Saudi Arab and Yemen (Houthis) proposing Saudi to not get involve in any conflict for outside interest, already Iran-US conflict has risen geo political pressure and any effort to deteriorate the peace would be harmful for humanity, economy and prosperity of all Nations.