<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Houthis continued their advance on Monday, seizing two more key islands in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, as Saudi Arabia appealed to the United States for further assistance.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received U.S. Central Command head Adm. Brad Cooper in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The details of the meeting weren’t disclosed, but it followed reports that Salman personally appealed to President Donald Trump for military help in halting the Houthi offensive that seized Yemen’s Red Sea coast last week, an appeal that was denied. Nevertheless, the U.S. has provided extensive training, equipment, and intelligence support, the details of which were likely discussed in Monday’s meeting.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img alt="Yemen" class="wp-image-4726865" height="682" src="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/AP26255412656670.jpg?w=696" width="1024" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Yemeni civilians celebrate while riding in the back of a pickup truck in the Bani Matar district, Yemen, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, as they follow a convoy carrying Houthi prisoners freed in Mokha on its way to Sanaa following the Houthi takeover of the southern Red Sea port city. (AP Photo/STR)</figcaption></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Salman appears to be seeking broader support to enhance the capabilities of the anti-Houthi coalition. While the Saudis are the core of the alliance, they have repeatedly struggled against the battle-hardened Houthis. Despite years of reforms and a leadership shake-up that many hoped would improve the force that had been challenged in previous conflicts against the Houthis from 2015 to 2022, recent events indicate that significant work remains to be done.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">With direct U.S. support seemingly off the table, Salman is scheduled to meet with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el Sisi on Tuesday. Egypt is one of the largest and most capable members of the naval anti-Houthi coalition formed earlier in the summer and could provide essential support to keep the Bab el-Mandeb Strait open.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The recent Houthi offensive and attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure have affected oil markets, with prices rising by over 4%. Brent crude rose to $105.66 per barrel Monday afternoon, and West Texas Intermediate rose to $101.28.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The brief shutdown of the East-West oil pipeline, which carries a significant amount of oil overland around the Strait of Hormuz, due to an alleged Iraqi militia drone attack has worsened the situation for Riyadh. As of Monday, the pipeline remains offline, blocking 4 million to 5 million barrels per day.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">While the kingdom has intensified its efforts to diversify its economy over the past decade under Salman’s leadership, it still relies heavily on its oil wealth. Its vulnerability to Houthi attacks, along with the ongoing threat from Iran and its proxies, has placed its oil industry at a critical juncture.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The U.S., focused on Iran, does not appear likely to change its stance on engaging with the Houthis in the near future. Michael Ratney, the former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, stated that this current situation is the Saudis’ “worst-case scenario.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Houthis have continued their offensive operations, having seized the islands of Greater and Lesser Hanish after government forces withdrew from the area. This will further solidify their control over Red Sea shipping.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Saudis have faced criticism for the situation, as the internationally recognized Presidential Leadership Council is largely dependent on Riyadh for funding. Following the Houthi seizure of the Red Sea coastline, reports indicated that many PLC units were operating at only a fraction of their stated strength.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The United Arab Emirates-aligned forces, the Southern Transitional Council, had been integrated into the PLC after a brief conflict between the two groups in December and January. The STC has been noted as more effective than the PLC, leading some analysts to argue that the Saudi takeover left the area vulnerable.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Saudi Arabia has attempted to counterattack in recent days, launching hundreds of airstrikes against Houthi forces. The Houthis reported that they responded on Monday with dozens of missiles and drones targeting a Saudi military air base in Khamis Mushait, claiming to have hit hangers, radars, runways, and ammunition depots.</p>