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Houthis Urge US to Stay Out of Yemen Conflict as Trump Declines — AI-generated representative image: A cargo ship and tanker pass through the narrow Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a key Red Sea shipping chokepoint at the center of the

Editorial Team

Washington rejects Saudi strikes as Houthi forces seize strategic Red Sea ports and tighten control of the Bab al-Mandeb chokepoint.

Yemen's Houthi movement has asked the United States not to intervene in its escalating conflict with Saudi Arabia, US President Donald Trump said on Saturday, as Washington seeks to avoid opening another front in the Middle East. The appeal came as Houthi forces made major gains along Yemen's Red Sea coast this week, seizing the strategic ports of Mocha and Dhubab as well as Perim (Mayun) Island at the entrance to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

The Houthi advance has tightened the group's grip on one of the world's most important shipping chokepoints while threatening a crucial route for Saudi oil exports. The development places the United States in a delicate position between its ally Riyadh, which has reportedly pressed for direct American military action, and a Houthi leadership that is signaling it wants to avoid a wider confrontation with Washington.

Key Developments This Week

Houthi forces pushed back Saudi-backed government troops and captured the ports of Mocha and Dhubab, along with Perim Island, which sits at the entrance to the narrow Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Trump told reporters during a visit to Ireland that the Houthis had contacted Washington directly. "The Houthis called us, and they don't want to fight with us," he said, adding that the group "would much prefer not having us involved."

Trump said the Houthis were allowing most shipping to pass through the Red Sea, remarking that "it's just one country that they're not too happy with, and we'll get that straightened out." Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly called Trump twice on Thursday to urge US strikes against the Houthis, but Trump declined, according to Axios, which cited US officials saying Washington has no plans for direct military intervention for now.

Background of the Conflict

The Houthis have framed their campaign as a fight to drive Saudi-backed government forces out of Yemen and restore the country's sovereignty. In recent weeks, the group has launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi energy facilities. Riyadh has separately blamed drones launched from Iraq for an attack that forced it to shut down its key East-West oil pipeline, underscoring the wider regional dimensions of the violence.

Fighting has intensified sharply in recent days. Government forces released multiple videos of counterattacks, including what they described as "precision airstrikes on Houthi military vehicles and militants inside the designated Mocha kill box." Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said on Saturday that Saudi aircraft had carried out 129 strikes across seven Yemeni provinces over the previous 48 hours using F-15 and Typhoon jets, warning that the bombardment "will not go unanswered."

Official Statements and Military Support

Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a Houthi spokesman, told RT on Thursday that the group targets no country except "the Saudi enemy." "In fact, we are committed to protecting the freedom of maritime navigation in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea," he said. Al-Bukhaiti also warned that Houthi forces are prepared for a broader confrontation if outside powers join Riyadh, saying Yemen was capable of fighting "up to three fronts" against Saudi Arabia, Yemeni government troops and any foreign country that becomes involved.

Despite declining direct strikes, the United States is providing Saudi Arabia with intelligence and targeting data, and roughly 200 American military personnel are offering non-combat support. CENTCOM chief Adm. Brad Cooper also traveled to the kingdom for urgent consultations. Trump confirmed speaking with the Saudi crown prince but did not disclose details, saying: "He's a good friend of mine. I can just say everything's going to work out fine and dandy."

Current Status and Next Steps

The Houthis have released extensive combat footage of their rapid advance, showing attacks on Saudi-backed forces using conventional weapons, ballistic missiles and drones, as well as abandoned and destroyed vehicles and the bodies of killed troops. Washington has indicated it has no immediate plans for direct military intervention, while continuing to provide intelligence and non-combat support to Saudi Arabia. Further developments remain uncertain as both sides continue active military operations.