Axios reports that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called President Trump twice Thursday and urged the U.S. to launch strikes against the Houthis as the group advanced toward the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Trump declined, and U.S. officials said the administration currently has no plans for direct military action against the Houthis. The request marks a shift from July, when Riyadh told Washington it could handle the Houthi threat itself and Trump backed Saudi military action. Since then, the conflict has expanded, with the Houthis capturing the Red Sea port of Mokha and advancing toward the Bab al-Mandeb. Axios reports the U.S. is instead increasing intelligence and targeting support to Saudi Arabia. About 200 U.S. personnel are reportedly providing nonkinetic support, while CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper traveled to Saudi Arabia for urgent coordination talks. The administration is seeking to keep the Red Sea open without adding another front to a U.S. military effort already heavily focused on Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Source: