This image, taken from an AFPTV video, shows fighters affiliated with the Saudi-backed Yemeni government engaged in clashes with Houthi forces in Al-Jawf province on Sept. 15, 2026. (Credit: AFPTV / AFP)
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The Yemeni president has asked Donald Trump for help against the pro-Iranian Houthis, amid increasingly tense regional dynamics. On Sunday, the Houthis reported 28 Saudi airstrikes in several parts of the country, a day after the pro-Iranian movement carried out attacks on the kingdom, including one targeting its capital. Under pressure, Saudi Arabia is carrying out daily strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, so far without managing to push them back. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has repeatedly reversed course in recent days over his Yemen strategy, torn between Saudi pressure to strike the Houthis and the risk of drawing the United States into another Middle East front, according to The New York Times.
Why it matters
Already a regional conflict, the situation involving Iran now extends beyond the Strait of Hormuz. The Houthis’ advances toward strategic coastal areas in Yemen and their attacks on Saudi territory are increasing pressure on the region’s energy and trade routes, particularly around Bab al-Mandeb. This could drive up oil prices ahead of the U.S. midterm elections in early November. However, last year’s American "Rough Rider" operation against the Houthis proved costly and failed to stop attacks in the Red Sea and on Israel. The cease-fire subsequently reached between the Yemeni rebels and Washington is still holding, with the Houthis saying that American interests are not among their targets. For now, this is leading Donald Trump to favor non-intervention.
For Donald Trump, the dilemma is now how to contain this new expansion of the conflict without opening another American front. Riyadh is pushing Washington to intervene against the Houthis, while the U.S. administration remains hesitant over how to get involved. This uncertainty comes as talks between Washington and Tehran remain at a stalemate.
What to watch for this Monday:
- On the Lebanese front, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun received a letter from Donald Trump on Monday in which Trump praised the "decisive leadership" of the Lebanese head of state, even as talks with Israel are stalled and Israel continues daily strikes on southern Lebanon.
- In New York, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is taking part in the work of the U.N. General Assembly and is set to hold a series of meetings on the sidelines of the event with various international leaders. Salam will then travel to Washington, where he is scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and World Bank Group President Ajay Banga.
- In Zawtar Gharbieh, the Council for the South delivered prefabricated houses early Monday afternoon, in one of the pilot zones where the Lebanese Army has deployed ahead of the disarmament of Hezbollah, in accordance with the framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel. Five units have already arrived in the area, with four more expected soon.
Elsewhere in the news
- President Joseph Aoun received former Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Joumblatt and his son, Taymour Joumblatt, who currently heads the party, at Baabda Palace on Monday afternoon. Walid Joumblatt said he supports Lebanon’s negotiations with Israel “if they lead to a gradual or complete withdrawal.” “If the framework agreement developed by the president with his advisers and approved by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam leads to a withdrawal and the demarcation of borders, what’s the problem?” he said.
- Aoun also received several officials, including MP Alain Aoun. "I call on Hezbollah to open a dialogue with the president to discuss a work plan that could relaunch talks and lead to an Israeli withdrawal and the deployment of the army," said Alain Aoun. "The Lebanese people want a present and effective state. President Aoun’s visit to Nabatieh shows that south Lebanon is not on the state’s sidelines," said MP Bilal Hosheimy, also after a meeting with the president.
