Trump declined to strike Houthis at Saudi Arabia’s request
In Yemen, US President Donald Trump rejected Saudi Arabia’s requests to strike the Houthis after they seized the port city of Mocha on the Red Sea coast and launched missiles and drones at the kingdom. Instead, Washington reportedly offered Riyadh intelligence support, The National (UAE) reports.
Trump said that the United States had discussed the situation with the Houthis. According to him, the group does not want to fight the United States and would prefer to avoid US involvement. The president also said that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is a good friend of his and assured that the situation would be resolved.
Contacts with regional partners
US Vice President J.D. Vance said that the administration is in constant contact with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other partners in the region. He also reported direct talks with the Houthis and called the situation dynamic, noting that Washington continues to monitor it.
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According to the outlet, US reluctance to expand its military involvement is linked to American forces being focused on the war with Iran and the crisis around the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict, which Trump began together with Israel on February 28, has lasted for more than six months, although the president initially said that hostilities would last only a few weeks.
The significance of the port of Mocha
The seizure of Mocha brings the Houthis closer to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and is an important global maritime route. Its importance has increased due to significant disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The outlet notes that control over Mocha gives the Houthis broader opportunities to influence an alternative transport route.
A senior US administration official said that Washington is focused on protecting key national security interests, including freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, and supporting regional partners. The United States also warned the Houthis against resuming attacks on shipping and said it was prepared to take the necessary measures to protect freedom of navigation and commercial shipping.
