Trump Weighs Joining Saudi Offensive Against Houthis as Attacks on US Interests Intensify

• by Shimanta Das
• October 15, 2026

President Donald Trump said he is considering joining Saudi Arabia in its retaliation against Tehran-backed Houthis in Yemen after a deadly attack on Riyadh’s main airport, a move that could draw the U.S. deeper into the Middle East conflict. The announcement follows a surge in Houthi attacks on Saudi airports, military facilities, and oil infrastructure in the week since a Saudi-led coalition launched a major military offensive against the group. The escalation has raised concerns about the safety of international energy supplies and the potential for a wider regional war.

The Houthis have also been attempting to choke off oil tanker traffic through the Bab el Mandeb strait, a critical entry point to the Red Sea, mirroring Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz. This threatens global energy choke points and has already contributed to a surge in domestic fuel prices, a key issue for voters ahead of next month’s U.S. elections. In response, the U.S. recently approved a $3 billion sale of nearly 50 F-35 warplanes to Saudi Arabia, a major boost for the kingdom as it faces intensifying attacks. Trump’s consideration of direct military involvement marks a significant shift, as it would be the first U.S. military action against the Houthis since the conclusion of Operation Rough Rider in May 2025, according to the Critical Threats Project at the American Enterprise Institute.

The timing is particularly delicate: hours after the latest attack, Saudi Arabia’s energy ministry was still promoting a major international energy conference set to begin in Riyadh on Sunday, underscoring the kingdom’s determination to project stability. However, joining the Saudi retaliation could significantly widen the ongoing conflict over Iran and its proxies. The Houthi attacks began just days after Yemen’s Saudi-backed government announced a major offensive against the militia in October, and the situation has only deteriorated since. With U.S. interests increasingly in the crosshairs, Trump’s decision could have far-reaching implications for regional security and global energy markets.