The leader of Saudi Arabia called Donald Trump twice to request strikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen / The American president refused him both times (Axios)

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, called President Donald Trump twice on Thursday to ask him to order strikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. According to Axios, citing two U.S. officials, Trump refused the request and said that the United States does not currently intend to intervene militarily in Yemen.

The decision comes amid a rapid offensive by the Iran-backed rebels. Houthi forces have occupied the port city of Mokha and Hodeidah province and are advancing toward the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, one of the main maritime routes between Asia and Europe. The rebels have also seized Zuqar Island, and the fighting has left more than 500 people dead.

The United States is increasingly closely coordinating its actions with Saudi Arabia, but is trying to avoid opening a new front. CENTCOM chief Admiral Brad Cooper visited Riyadh on Thursday. Washington’s priority remains concentrating its forces on Iran and protecting the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi Arabia has carried out approximately 40 airstrikes in Yemen after the rebels launched ballistic missiles and drones toward the southern part of the country. The conflict, which resumed in full force after a period of ceasefire, threatens to severely disrupt navigation in the Red Sea.