Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly urged US President Donald Trump to launch strikes against the Houthis during two phone calls on Thursday, Axios reported, citing two US officials.
Trump rejected the request, according to the report. US officials also said the administration does not currently plan to take direct military action against the Houthis.
Reuters could not immediately verify the report. The White House and the Saudi Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside regular business hours.
According to Axios, Washington is increasingly concerned about the rapidly escalating conflict in Yemen. The United States is also increasing support for Saudi Arabia while seeking to avoid direct military involvement.
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US Central Command commander Admiral Brad Cooper traveled to Saudi Arabia on Thursday for urgent coordination talks, the report said.
US military and civilian officials have also told Saudi counterparts that Trump wants American forces focused on Iran and the security of the Strait of Hormuz. The officials reportedly stressed the need to avoid opening another military front.
Earlier in July, Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia was seeking to form an international coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea from Houthis attacks.
Tensions have continued to rise in and around Yemen. The latest escalation began in early July when the Houthis said their forces confronted Saudi “warplanes” that were trying to prevent an Iranian civilian aircraft from landing at Sanaa International Airport.
The reported Saudi request comes as Riyadh faces growing security concerns linked to the conflict. Washington’s position, however, suggests it remains focused on other regional priorities while seeking to limit the risk of a wider military confrontation.
