Saudi Arabia's MBS pressed Trump to strike Houthis in Yemen, sources say
September 11, 2026 / 12:17 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has repeatedly asked President Trump to take military action against the Houthis in Yemen.
- Houthi forces have recently advanced rapidly along Yemen's Red Sea coast, seizing the strategic port of Mokha and islands in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
- President Trump has declined to directly involve the U.S. military but has offered intelligence and targeting support.
- Saudi Arabia is seeking to build a coalition against the Houthis and is concerned about potential Iranian retaliation if the Houthis are attacked.
- U.S. forces recently engaged in sharp escalation with Iran, destroying oil tankers and responding to missile strikes on a U.S. base in Jordan.