Saudi Arabia appeals to US as pipeline closure and Houthis spike oil prices

Brady KnoxSeptember 14, 2026

Houthi forces continued their progression by capturing two significant islands in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait,prompting Yemen’s neighboring countries too seek additional military support from the United States. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with U.S. Central Command leader admiral brad Cooper in jeddah; while details remain undisclosed, it is believed they discussed military aid, following reports that Salman had personally requested U.S. assistance to counter the Houthi offensive that recently took control of Yemen’s Red Sea coast. the U.S. has already provided extensive training, equipment, and intelligence support, possibly discussed during this high-level meeting.

The Houthis continued their advance on Monday, seizing two more key islands in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, as the Saudis continued their appeals to the United States for further assistance.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received U.S. Central Command head Adm. Brad Cooper in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The details of the meeting weren’t disclosed, but it came on the tail of reports that Salman personally appealed to President Donald Trump for military help in halting the lightning Houthi offensive that seized Yemen’s Red Sea coast last week, an appeal that was denied. Nevertheless, the U.S. has provided extensive training, equipment, and intelligence support, the details of which were the likely subject of Monday’s meeting.