US President Trump Declines Saudi Request for Strikes Amid Houthi Advance

A lightning offensive by Iran-aligned Houthi fighters has put the militants in a position to control a Middle East waterway.

Houthi fighters advanced south along Yemen's coast, increasing their ability to choke off the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, also known as the "Gate of Tears." The militants reached the island of Perim on Friday, located in the middle of the strait between Yemen and Africa. US President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that Yemen's Iran-allied Houthi fighters have asked Washington not to intervene, saying, "They don't want to fight with us."

Trump also mentioned speaking to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whom he described as a friend. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called President Trump twice on Thursday, urging him to launch US strikes against the Houthis, but Trump declined the request. US officials stated the administration has no current plans to attack the Houthis.

The Houthi advance creates a problem for Trump as the US war with Iran continues into its seventh month. Saudi Arabia has relied on Red Sea ports for oil shipments since the Strait of Hormuz closed due to the US-Iran war. The Houthis also targeted Saudi Arabian oil facilities this week with a massive drone and missile attack, leading to the shutdown of the East-West oil pipeline.

Yemen's Riyadh-backed government forces reported striking Houthi fighters in the strategic Red Sea city of Mokha on Saturday. The Houthi offensive, which began last week, has killed more than 500 people and displaced about 46,000 people, according to the UN migration agency. High US gasoline prices, driven by the conflict, have jeopardized the Republican Party's chances in the November midterm elections.