According to U.S. officials, former President Donald Trump considered authorizing military action against Houthi rebels in Yemen following direct requests from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). The discussions reportedly took place after the Saudi leader called Trump twice in a single day to urge U.S. intervention as Houthi forces advanced toward a strategic chokepoint in the Red Sea.

The situation presented a conflict between Trump’s desire to support a key regional ally and his stated preference for avoiding new military commitments in the Middle East. While the Saudi leadership sought direct U.S. strikes to counter the Iran-backed group, Trump ultimately decided against the proposal. Instead, the administration opted to provide limited support to the Saudi-led coalition rather than engaging in direct combat operations against the Houthis.

This decision highlights the complex balancing act the administration faced regarding its Middle East policy, specifically concerning the Saudi-led war in Yemen. While the administration maintained a close relationship with the Saudi monarchy, the reluctance to initiate direct strikes suggests a strategic hesitation to expand the scope of U.S. military involvement in the ongoing conflict.