Fighters gather near damaged military vehicles in the aftermath of what a Houthi-owned TV network says are strikes on pro-government forces at an unknown location in Yemen, in this still image taken from video released Sept. 12, 2026. (Credit: Al-Masirah TV/Handout via Reuters)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed regional developments with U.S. Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper in Jeddah on Monday, Saudi state media said, amid escalating hostilities with Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis.
The meeting comes days after three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters the crown prince had sought military assistance from U.S. President Donald Trump to help fight the Houthis.
Trump did not agree to U.S. strikes on the group, but Washington told Riyadh it would provide intelligence-sharing and targeting assistance, the sources added.
The Houthis have stepped up attacks on Saudi cities and energy infrastructure while advancing along Yemen's Red Sea coast towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key shipping route.
The escalation has opened a second theatre in the wider regional conflict and raised concerns over Saudi oil exports and global shipping.
