Axios, citing two U.S. officials, reports Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman
called President Trump twice on Sept 10 urging strikes on Yemen’s Houthi rebels;
Trump declined. U.S. officials say the government currently has "no intention of
direct military action" against the Houthis. Axios says Washington is
increasingly concerned about rapid escalation in Yemen and is boosting support
to Saudi Arabia while trying to avoid direct intervention. CENTCOM commander
Brad Cooper arrived in Saudi Arabia on Sept 10 for urgent coordination. U.S.
military and civilian officials have told Saudi counterparts Trump’s directive
is to "concentrate U.S. forces on Iran and 'protect' the Strait of Hormuz,
avoiding opening new military fronts."
