Saudi crown prince meets CENTCOM chief amid growing Houthi threat

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a meeting with US Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper in Jeddah on Monday to discuss regional developments, as tensions rise as a result of increased Houthi attacks and disruption to vital energy and shipping routes, according to Saudi state media.

The meeting takes place days after the crown prince sought US President Donald Trump’s military assistance to counter Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen, sources told Reuters. Trump didn’t agree to direct US strikes but Washington has offered Riyadh intelligence sharing and targeting help, the sources said.

Saudi Arabia has been under increasing security strain as the Houthis have stepped up assaults on Saudi cities and energy infrastructure and advanced along Yemen’s Red Sea coast toward the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Reuters reported.

The meeting also occurs within the framework of disruptions to regional energy supplies. Riyadh on Iran has restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while an attack blamed by Iran-aligned forces in Iraq allegedly damaged Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline.

Cooper’s visit highlights Washington’s continuing security engagement with Saudi Arabia as Riyadh confronts threats from Iran and its regional allies.

Saudi and US Officials have given no details on the talks other than a general focus on regional developments. The meeting took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s second largest city and a key port on the Red Sea.