According to two U.S. officials, the Trump administration is not preparing a direct military operation against the Houthis in Yemen. Washington is instead providing Saudi Arabia with extensive intelligence and targeting support.
The officials said this approach could change if threats to maritime shipping in the Red Sea increase. The U.S. administration considers protecting freedom of navigation in the Red Sea one of its core national security interests.
Support for Riyadh and high-level phone calls
Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, traveled to Riyadh on Thursday and held talks as part of Washington’s support for Saudi Arabia.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also spoke with Donald Trump by phone twice that day. During the calls, the crown prince reportedly asked the United States to intervene directly militarily but did not present such action as a necessary option.
Saudi Arabia was said to be ready to launch a comprehensive operation against the Houthis on its own if necessary. However, no such decision has yet been made.
Course of Yemen conflict remains uncertain
The Houthis were alleged to have seized Yemen’s western coast on Friday. As government forces and allied militias continue to resist, the outcome of the fighting without outside intervention remains uncertain.
Military tensions between Yemen’s government forces and the Houthis have risen again since early July, following years of relative calm after the ceasefire that began in 2022.
The Houthis have controlled the capital, Sana’a, as well as large areas of northern and western Yemen since September 2014. The government and allied forces hold areas in the south and east of the country.
Saudi Arabia has led the coalition supporting Yemen’s government since 2015. The Houthis are also accused of receiving support from Iran.
