US Supports Saudi Arabia Against Iran-Backed Houthis Amid Regional Tensions

The United States has reportedly extended support to Saudi Arabia over a possible military campaign against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, following renewed tensions between the two sides. The development came after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) informed US President Donald Trump about concerns over escalating clashes with the Houthis and sought American backing for possible strikes against the group, according to reports citing US officials.

The reported US support followed a conversation between Trump and MBS in which the Saudi crown prince raised concerns that renewed fighting with the Houthis could expand regional tensions involving Iran. The move came after the Houthis, who control large parts of northern Yemen, launched missile attacks toward Saudi Arabia after accusing Riyadh of carrying out an airstrike on Sanaa airport. The escalation marked the most serious cross-border confrontation between the two sides since a four-year truce began in 2022.

According to reports, discussions over Saudi action began when the Saudi ambassador to Washington met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, followed by talks between Rubio and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. During a later call with Trump, MBS reportedly requested support for military action against the Houthis. Neither the Saudi government nor the US administration has officially commented on the reported discussions.

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The decision to seek American backing highlights Saudi Arabia’s concerns that a broader conflict with the Houthis could create new security challenges along its southern border. Riyadh has previously faced attacks from Iranian-backed forces, including missile and drone strikes, although tensions had reduced after diplomatic efforts and a truce in the wider Iran-related conflict. A renewed confrontation could also threaten Saudi interests in the Red Sea region, where the Houthis have previously targeted commercial shipping routes.

The latest tensions reportedly began after an Iranian aircraft landed in Sanaa to transport a Houthi delegation attending the funeral of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Saudi Arabia has historically restricted air movement between the two countries due to concerns that flights could be used to transfer weapons or military personnel to the Houthis. The Houthis accused Saudi forces of attempting to block the flight and warned of retaliation against Saudi airports.

The situation escalated when Saudi forces allegedly carried out an attack on Sanaa airport as the Iranian aircraft returned with the Houthi delegation, forcing the plane to divert to Al Hudaydah on Yemen’s Red Sea coast. In response, the Houthis targeted Abha International Airport in Saudi Arabia’s southern region near the Yemen border. The latest developments have raised concerns about a possible return to wider regional conflict after years of efforts to reduce hostilities between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi movement.

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