Houthis Capture Strategic Mokka Port as Trump Rejects Saudi Military Request

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called US President Donald Trump twice on Thursday to request direct American military strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, according to Axios citing two US administration officials. Trump rejected both requests. The White House indicated the US intends to expand its support for Saudi Arabia but will not engage the Houthis directly, preferring to keep its focus on the broader conflict with Iran.

A US official told Axios: "The United States is focused on protecting our core national security interests, such as ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea."

Houthis Capture Mokka and Bab al-Mandab

The backdrop to the Saudi request is a sharp escalation on the ground in Yemen. Iran-backed Houthi forces have captured the strategic port city of Mokka, which controls access to the Bab al-Mandab strait — one of the world's most critical shipping routes at the southern end of the Red Sea. In response, Saudi Arabia struck Mokka's airport from the air.

The Houthis went further, seizing the island of Mayyun (also known as Perim) in the strait itself, giving them full control over both navigational channels through Bab al-Mandab. From these positions, the Houthis can threaten and interdict commercial shipping with far greater precision than before — they have attacked, boarded, or sunk multiple vessels in the Red Sea in recent years.

UN Warns of New Dangerous Phase

UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg warned the UN Security Council of a "new and more dangerous phase" in the Yemeni conflict. The capture of Mokka gives the Houthis a direct presence at the approaches to the strait. Saudi Arabia's critical oil export route through the Red Sea is particularly vulnerable, as the Strait of Hormuz — the alternative route — remains contested between the US, Iran, and other powers.

• Houthis captured Mokka, a key port controlling Bab al-Mandab access
• Houthis also took Mayyun island — now fully control the strait
• Trump rejected Saudi request for US airstrikes on Houthis
• Saudi Arabia bombed Mokka airport in response
• UN warns of new dangerous phase in Yemen war