Trump’s response is not forthcoming, what should the Saudi Crown Prince do?

Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed Houthi group have escalated over the past week, with Houthi missile attacks causing significant damage to Saudi Arabia's energy facilities.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Houthi fighters claimed to have taken control of the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea, a move that has sparked renewed concerns in Riyadh.

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman spoke by phone with President Donald Trump on Thursday to ask for U.S. military assistance to counter the Houthis. Trump told him that the United States was not in a position to launch a direct military operation due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. However, Washington would help Saudi Arabia by providing intelligence and identifying potential targets.

A US official said the Saudi crown prince was seeking direct US military intervention, but he did not say it was immediately necessary.

A senior Trump administration official said that ensuring freedom of navigation and security in the Red Sea is one of the most important interests of the United States. However, Washington wants to lead regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, in addressing regional security crises.

However, officials said the United States could intervene directly if Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea increase.

Meanwhile, a high-level delegation led by the head of US Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper, visited Riyadh to discuss the Houthi issue and potential security cooperation with Saudi military and government officials.

A person familiar with the situation said Riyadh is seeking US military assistance as part of an effort to build a coalition against the Houthis and protect Saudi Arabia from potential Iranian retaliation, as there are fears that Iran could retaliate against Saudi Arabia if the Houthis are attacked.

"Iran is under intense pressure from these factions because people think they have abandoned Hezbollah and Hamas. How will Iran respond if the Houthis are attacked? Will they attack Saudi Arabia? That's why they are forming this alliance to protect Saudi Arabia if Iran attacks," the person said.

He added, "And if the Saudis go to war, will the United States follow them? That's what they expect."

Sources said that discussions between the United States and Saudi Arabia on this issue are still in a fluid stage.

Analysts say the Houthi attacks on Saudi-linked ships have increased the risk of shipping across the region, particularly if commercial shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait is closed or disrupted.

Saudi Arabia is considering a major military operation against Yemen's Houthis, raising tensions in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Riyadh could carry out the operation without direct US military support if necessary, US media outlet ABC News reported.

However, Saudi Arabia has not yet made a final decision. The United States is also not planning to launch a direct attack on the Houthis for now.

ABC News, citing two US officials, reported that Saudi Arabia has told the US in recent days that it is ready to launch a major military operation against the Houthis. Washington is currently providing Riyadh with intelligence and target identification assistance.

The conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi group began in 2014 during the Yemeni civil war. The following year, when the Houthis captured the capital Sanaa, then-President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi sought refuge in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi-led coalition then launched a military campaign on behalf of Hadi's government.

Currently, the Houthis control about half of Yemen's territory, while the rest is controlled by the Saudi-backed Presidential Council government, which is internationally recognized.

Although a ceasefire agreement was reached between the two sides in 2022, it did not last long. Relations between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have deteriorated again since the attack on Sanaa airport last July. Recent events have further heightened those tensions.