Bin Salman asked Trump to strike the Houthis - the president did not approve

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman asked US President Donald Trump to carry out strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, but Trump refrained from approving direct military involvement and only agreed to expand intelligence assistance. The meeting took place against the backdrop of Houthi advances in Yemen's western coastal region and attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman asked US President Donald Trump to carry out military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, but Trump refrained from approving direct American military involvement. Instead, Washington agreed to expand intelligence assistance and support in target identification for the Saudis and additional forces operating against the Houthis. The meeting took place against the backdrop of Houthi advances in Yemen's western coastal region, approaching the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a major shipping route. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is facing attacks on its energy infrastructure, including drone strikes on the East-West oil pipeline, which according to an official statement originated from Iraqi territory. The arrival of CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper to Saudi Arabia indicates attempts by Riyadh and Washington to prevent further deterioration without dragging the US into a direct military conflict.