Rejecting Houthi Attacks, Trump Promises US Intelligence Support to Saudi Arabia
US President Donald Trump has promised intelligence support and significant assistance in target identification regarding the Houthim group to Saudi Arabia. This follows reports that Trump rejected a request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) for the US to launch attacks against the Houthis.
According to several sources familiar with the situation, as reported by Al Arabiya on Saturday (12/9/2026), MBS has spoken with Trump several times in recent days as Riyadh and Washington coordinate regarding the escalating situation in Yemen. Sources speaking to Al Arabiya English stated that Trump informed MBS that the US would provide intelligence and targeting assistance related to the Houthis.
These discussions take place amidst increased US military engagement with Saudi Arabia, particularly as the Iran-backed Houthis achieve significant progress along the Yemeni coastline in the Red Sea. The Commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), Admiral Brad Cooper, arrived in Riyadh in recent hours and is expected to meet with high-ranking military and senior government officials in Saudi Arabia to discuss coordination.
CENTCOM previously emphasised that freedom of navigation and regional security remain top priorities. A senior official in the Trump administration stated that the US is focused on protecting its primary national security interests, including ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.
“The United States is focused on protecting our key national security interests—such as ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea—while empowering our regional partners to take a leading role in addressing and resolving regional security challenges,” the US official said. “We continue to maintain dialogue with Saudi Arabia and the government of the Republic of Yemen regarding regional stability.”
Separately, an ABC News report citing two US officials mentioned that the current Trump administration has no plans to launch direct military action against the Houthis. According to these officials, that assessment could change if threats to shipping lanes in the Red Sea increase.
The Yemen conflict has recently heated up after a period of relative calm following a previously agreed ceasefire. The latest escalation began in early July, when the Houthi group claimed their forces encountered Saudi ‘warplanes’ attempting to prevent an Iranian civilian aircraft from landing at Sanaa International Airport.
Since then, the Houthis have resumed attacks against internationally-backed Yemeni government forces and targets in Saudi Arabia. The Iran-backed group has also announced a maritime blockade of Saudi ports and has resumed attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.
It was previously reported that MBS called Trump twice on Thursday (10/9) local time to urge him to launch attacks against the Houthis. Trump reportedly rejected MBS’s request. This information, as reported by Reuters on Friday (11/9), was revealed by Axios, citing two US officials familiar with the situation.
According to the US officials quoted by Axios, the Trump administration does not intend to take direct military action against the Houthis at this time. Axios also reported that the US is increasingly concerned about the rapidly escalating conflict in Yemen and is increasing support for Saudi Arabia, which is embroiled in the conflict, while simultaneously attempting to avoid direct military involvement.
According to the Axios report, US military and civilian officials have also conveyed to their Saudi partners in recent weeks that Trump’s directive is for US forces to remain focused on Iran and the security of the Strait of Hormuz, while avoiding the emergence of another military front.