Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly called current President Donald Trump twice to request direct U.S. strikes against Houthi forces in Yemen as fighting intensified near the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Trump rejected the request, with U.S. officials saying the administration does not currently plan to open a direct military front against the Houthis and instead wants to prioritize Iran and protection of the Strait of Hormuz. Washington is reportedly increasing support for Saudi Arabia, including intelligence and targeting assistance, while Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, traveled to Riyadh for urgent coordination talks. The developments have heightened concerns about regional escalation and the security of commercial shipping and energy routes, though the reports have not been independently verified and neither the White House nor Saudi officials immediately commented.
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