Saudi Arabia Urges Trump to Take Military Action as Houthis Advance in Bab al-Mandab

Saudi Arabia has urged President Donald Trump to take direct military action against Iran-backed Houthi rebels following their seizure of key positions along the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The advances include the capture of the strategic island of Mayyun (Perim) and the coastal town of Dhubab, raising significant concerns over the security of one of the world's most critical shipping lanes. A source familiar with the matter told Fox News that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has spoken with President Trump several times over the past 24 hours regarding the escalation. In response, the Trump administration has indicated it does not wish to take direct military action at this time, but has pledged to assist Saudi Arabia with intelligence and targeting support. Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, has reportedly traveled to Saudi Arabia for coordination talks. Analysts suggest the Houthis are exploiting the broader conflict between Iran and the U.S. to rebuild their military capabilities. Timothy Lenderking, the former U.S. special envoy for Yemen, described the Houthis as the "most lethal non-state actor in the entire Middle East," noting that they used the 2022 truce to regroup and rearm. The Bab al-Mandab Strait, which serves as the southern gateway to the Suez Canal, is a vital artery for global trade and oil transit. Disruptions in this area threaten to significantly increase shipping costs and transit times.