Stories
Ex-US Official Warns of Trump-Saudi Rift Over Houthi Strikes: "MBS Will Not Forget This"
- •A former senior US intelligence official warns that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) will not forget Washington's decision to withhold fresh air strikes against Iran-backed Houthis amid intensifying attacks on the kingdom.
- •Retired Lieutenant General Karen Gibson stated this could reinforce Saudi concerns about US intervention, even when Riyadh's vital interests are threatened.
- •Saudi Arabia faces a renewed Houthi offensive targeting southern towns, Red Sea ports, and energy infrastructure, straining relations between Trump and MBS.
- •While Riyadh has repeatedly sought US air strikes, Washington has provided intelligence, weapons, and air-defense support but stopped short of new operations, unlike the UK which is providing defensive air-to-air refueling.
- •The escalation has implications beyond Saudi security, with Houthis expanding their territorial presence along Yemen's Red Sea coast and around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, threatening global shipping.
Key Questions Answered
President Trump called off the planned strikes at the last minute even though US warplanes were ready and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had urged intervention. Meanwhile, the Houthis agreed not to target American interests or ships, prompting Washington to pursue talks through Oman while avoiding direct military escalation.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that the UK would provide Saudi Arabia with defensive air-to-air refueling following a formal request from Riyadh. This military assistance is planned to continue for several weeks as London urges other nations to help protect regional stability.
Renewed Houthi offensives launched missiles and drones targeting southern Saudi towns, Red Sea ports, and energy infrastructure, including a fuel facility at Riyadh's main airport and key oil pipelines. These territorial gains along Yemen's coast and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have also raised significant global concerns regarding maritime shipping security.
