Trump declines Saudi request for US strikes on Houthis

US President Donald Trump has declined a request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to launch direct American military strikes against the Houthis in Yemen, according to a report citing two US officials. The Saudi crown prince called Trump twice on Thursday, urging him to order strikes as Houthi forces advanced toward a key Red Sea chokepoint, but the president rejected the appeal, the report said. US officials indicated that the administration currently has no plans to intervene directly against the Houthis. American military and civilian officials have told their Saudi counterparts in recent weeks that Trump's directive is to keep US forces focused on Iran and safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz, while avoiding the opening of another military front in Yemen, according to the report, which could not be independently verified. The White House and the Saudi embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.