Saudi Arabia tells Trump now is the time for military action as Iran-backed Houthis advance
Houthi forces seized Perim island and key positions along Yemen's Bab al-Mandab Strait as Saudi Arabia urged Trump to take direct military action.
Iran-backed Houthi forces captured Perim Island—also known as Mayyun—inside Yemen’s Bab al-Mandab Strait after government troops withdrew, according to Yemeni officials cited in multiple reports. The group also seized the Red Sea port of Mokha and advanced around Dhubab, expanding its reach near one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. Fox News and the Associated Press reported the territorial gains.
The advance increases the Houthis’ ability to threaten vessels passing between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Bab al-Mandab connects shipping traffic with the Suez Canal and is an important route for global commerce and energy transportation. The Houthis said their maritime restrictions were directed at Saudi-linked shipping, although the developments have renewed broader concerns about navigation and energy markets. Associated Press
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly contacted President Donald Trump as the offensive unfolded. Reports characterize the Saudi request differently: Fox News described Riyadh as seeking direct American military action, while Axios reported that the crown prince requested U.S. political backing for strikes and indicated that Saudi Arabia did not require direct American military assistance. Reuters reported that Trump rejected a request for U.S. military help and that Washington did not plan to intervene directly at that time. Axios and Reuters
