Trump's refusal to join Saudi air strikes strains US-Saudi ties, warns former US official
President Donald Trump has declined Saudi Arabia's request for US air strikes against the Houthis, creating fresh tension in the bilateral relationship.
Saudi Arabia has asked the United States to carry out air strikes against the Houthis, who have stepped up attacks on Saudi ports and oil facilities after declaring a blockade. President Donald Trump has declined to join the campaign, a move that has heightened friction with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who views the US as a key security ally. Analysts warn the refusal could be remembered by Saudi leaders and may encourage Riyadh to diversify its defence partnerships.
Despite the disagreement, Washington continues to supply weapons, intelligence and has approved a $24.3 billion F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia. The broader dispute occurs amid wider US concerns about resources, ammunition shortages and the upcoming midterm elections.
Why it matters
The US refusal to support Saudi air strikes could reshape Middle-East security dynamics and affect future US-Saudi cooperation.
How this story developed
- Sep 10 Yemen's multi-front war intensifies as Houthis and government forces vie for strategic strongholds
- Sep 16 Saudi civil defense issued emergency shelter warnings for Jeddah, Mecca and Taif.
- Sep 16 Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a drone aimed at Mecca and accused Iran-backed Houthi rebels of the plot, which the rebels denied.
- Sep 16 Saudi coalition announced a drone it said was Houthi‑linked was heading toward Mecca and triggered a brief security alert.
- Sep 16 Houthis seized coastal towns and islands at the mouth of the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
- Sep 18 Since the earlier report of 86,000 displaced, the UN now says over 112,000 have been forced from their homes.
- Sep 19 The Saudi Directorate of Civil Defence said the danger has passed in Riyadh and al‑Kharj and urged residents to continue following its instructions and avoid gathering or filming.
- Sep 19 The Houthis announced new missile and drone strikes on Riyadh and Yanbu.
- Sep 19 Saudi officials confirmed that Yemen's Houthi forces attempted a ballistic missile strike on Riyadh, which was intercepted, and also failed to hit targets in Yanbu, Taif, Baysh and Farasan.
- Sep 21 Prime Minister Andy Burnham has authorized British aircraft to provide defensive air-to-air refuelling for Saudi jets fighting Houthi rebels in Yemen.
- Sep 21 Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he agreed to Saudi Arabia's request for defensive air-to-air refuelling while travelling to New York for a United Nations General Assembly meeting.
- Sep 22 Burnham announced the decision while traveling to the UN General Assembly.
- Sep 22 The United States declined to conduct direct kinetic strikes against the Houthis.
- Sep 22 UN agencies warned that displacement could rise to over 230,000 if the fighting continues.
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