▲ Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (right) and U.S. President Donald Trump
Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, asked U.S. President Donald Trump to launch attacks against the pro-Iranian Houthi rebels in Yemen, the news outlet Axios reported on the 11th (local time).
According to U.S. officials, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called President Trump twice the previous day.
During the first call, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman explained the battlefield situation, stating that the Houthis were advancing toward the strategic Yemeni coastal city of Moka and that Saudi-backed Yemeni forces were retreating.
A few hours later, he called President Trump again to request that the U.S. military directly strike the Houthi rebels.
However, President Trump rejected the Crown Prince's request.
Instead, he decided to provide Saudi Arabia with intelligence and data regarding strike targets.
The United States maintains a stance of concentrating its military forces on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz while refusing to open a new front with the Houthis.
However, the Trump administration is also reportedly concerned about the recent intensification of the Houthi rebels' offensive.
Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command overseeing military operations in the Middle East, visited Saudi Arabia the previous day to hold emergency consultations with local officials.
The Houthis have expanded their influence along the western coast of Yemen recently, coming closer to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategic chokepoint in the Red Sea.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a crucial route for Saudi oil exports.
If the Houthis expand their influence over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at a time when Iran is disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran could gain additional leverage to pressure the United States and Gulf nations.
A senior official in the Trump administration stated, "The United States is focused on protecting vital national security interests, such as ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea," adding that the U.S. will support regional allies in taking the lead to address regional security issues.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
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