Saudi crown prince urged Trump to strike Houthis amid Red Sea threat

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reached out to President Trump twice, pressing for military action against the Houthis as they threatened a crucial Red Sea passage. Despite MBS's urging, Trump opted not to engage militarily, and the administration maintained its current stance of no direct intervention. The situation escalated tensions, leading to a spike in oil prices as the Houthis' advances brought them closer to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital global shipping route. This incident underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region and the potential economic ramifications of regional conflicts.