Report says Trump declined Saudi request for strikes on Houthis
26 sourcesUpdated Sep 11, 2026
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly called current President Donald Trump twice to request direct U.S. strikes against Houthi forces in Yemen as fighting intensified near the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Trump rejected the request, with U.S. officials saying the administration does not currently plan to open a direct military front against the Houthis and instead wants to prioritize Iran and protection of the Strait of Hormuz. Washington is reportedly increasing support for Saudi Arabia, including intelligence and targeting assistance, while Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, traveled to Riyadh for urgent coordination talks. The developments have heightened concerns about regional escalation and the security of commercial shipping and energy routes, though the reports have not been independently verified and neither the White House nor Saudi officials immediately commented.
Where do you stand?
How it spread
What each side asserts, disputes — or leaves out entirely.
Whose framing of this story rings truest to you?
Center· 0 sources
No center coverage yet — a bubble gap.
Free account · your comment posts right after signup
Sharing intelligence and sending the CENTCOM chief shows support without committing to another messy conflict.
Focusing on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz instead is the smarter move here. Direct strikes would just escalate things fast.
Trump was right to decline those Saudi requests for strikes. We have enough on our plate without jumping into Yemen.
Politicians
Greatest Political Outsiders Who Won
16 candidates · 0 votes · vote on the order
Politicians
Most Influential World Leaders Alive Today
16 candidates · 0 votes · vote on the order
Politicians
Greatest Political Comebacks Worldwide
18 candidates · 0 votes · vote on the order
Politicians
Presidents Who Survived Political Scandals
17 candidates · 0 votes · vote on the order