US President Donald Trump supported Saudi Arabia’s planned military action against Iran-backed Houthi targets before Riyadh launched the operation, according to an Axios report that cited two US officials.
The report said Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman informed Trump in advance and sought Washington’s endorsement before the strikes. The development comes as tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis threaten to unravel a truce that has largely held since 2022, despite officially expiring.
Axios report links operation to disputed Iran flight
According to the Axios report, the latest escalation began after an aircraft reportedly operated by Iran’s Mahan Air landed in Houthi-controlled Sanaa.
The aircraft was carrying a Houthi delegation travelling to Iran for the funeral of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Saudi Arabia opposed the flight over concerns that it could be used to transport weapons, missile components or Iranian military personnel to Yemen. US officials quoted by Axios described Mahan Air as an airline linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Saudi strike on Sanaa airport triggers retaliation
When the aircraft later attempted to leave Yemen, Saudi forces struck Sanaa airport. The plane diverted and landed in Al Hudaydah on Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
The Saudi-backed Yemeni government said the strike was intended to prevent an Iranian aircraft from using Yemeni territory.
The Houthis responded by launching missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport in the kingdom’s southwest.
The group said the strikes were retaliation for what it described as Saudi aggression.
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree also warned airlines against using Saudi airspace. He said the restriction would remain until the limitations imposed on Sanaa airport were lifted.
Regional tensions remain high
The reported escalation comes as tensions between the United States and Iran remain elevated.
Saudi Arabia formed a military coalition in Yemen in 2015 to back the internationally recognised Yemeni government against the Houthis.
The conflict has since killed thousands of people and contributed to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
The Houthis currently control the capital, Sanaa, and much of northern Yemen, including several major population centres. The internationally recognised government continues to control large parts of southern Yemen.
(With inputs from ANI)