According to reports, former US President Donald Trump rejected a request from Saudi Arabia for military strikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. This request came as the Iran-backed Houthis made advances on the key coastal city of Mocha and reportedly completed their takeover of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly contacted Trump twice regarding the escalating situation. The Houthis’ control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping lane on the Red Sea, raises concerns about international trade and maritime security. This development underscores the ongoing complexities of the conflict in Yemen and the delicate balance of power in the region. The reported rejection signals a potential shift in US policy towards the Yemeni conflict and its key players.