By Riffat Kausar,
Scandinavian News Agency
Trump has reportedly declined a Saudi Request to join military strikes against the Houthis, according to a report from SNN News Finland.
The report states that Saudi Request Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called the U.S. president twice to ask for direct American involvement, but that the White House turned down the request.
According to the same report, the United States is currently limiting its support to intelligence-sharing and does not intend to enter direct conflict in Yemen.
Neither the White House nor Saudi officials have issued a public statement confirming these calls, and SNN News Finland did not name additional sources for the account.
Why the Trump-Saudi Houthi Dispute Matters Now
Saudi Request Arabia had reportedly believed it could contain the Houthi movement on its own, but the report describes the situation as having “changed drastically” in recent weeks.
The Houthis, a Yemeni armed group that has controlled large parts of the country since 2014, are said to be receiving support from Iran, though the precise nature of that support was not detailed in the notes provided.
Per the report, Houthi forces are pressing a determined offensive aimed at capturing the remainder of Yemen, with particular focus on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait a narrow waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
This strait is one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors, and any group controlling it could influence global oil and cargo traffic passing between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Yemeni Army Position, According to the Report
SNN News Finland’s account describes the Yemeni army as retreating and not mounting significant resistance to the Houthi advance.
This claim has not been independently corroborated here, and the current on-the-ground military situation could not be confirmed without further verification from defense-monitoring sources or wire services.
Key Facts
- Trump reportedly declined two Saudi requests, made by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to join strikes against the Houthis
- The U.S. is currently providing intelligence support only, according to the report
- The Houthis are reportedly advancing with Iranian support toward full control of Yemen, including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait
- The Yemeni army is described in the report as retreating without strong resistance
- Oil prices have reportedly climbed to their highest level since May
- Saudi Request
FAQs:
Did Trump officially refuse to help Saudi Arabia against the Houthis?
According to SNN News Finland’s report, yes the White House reportedly turned down two direct requests from the Saudi Crown Prince. This has not been confirmed by official U.S. or Saudi Request statements.
What is the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and why does it matter?
It is a narrow sea passage between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, used heavily for global oil and cargo shipping. Control over it can affect international trade and energy prices.
Who are the Houthis?
The Houthis are an armed political and military movement based in Yemen that has controlled significant territory, including the capital Sanaa, since 2014.
Is the U.S. involved militarily in Yemen right now?
Based on the report, the U.S. role is currently limited to intelligence support, not direct military strikes.
Why are oil prices rising?
The report links the price increase to the escalating conflict near a key shipping route, though broader market factors may also be contributing.
Oil Markets and Wider Reaction
The report links the escalation to a rise in oil prices, describing crude as reaching its highest level since May.
Markets often react to instability near major shipping routes like Bab el-Mandeb, since disruptions can affect global oil supply chains.
The notes also state that “the Kremlin is already rubbing its hands with satisfaction,” a characterization attributed to the source report rather than a direct Saudi Request statement from Russian officials, and it has not been verified against any Kremlin statement.
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