**[Red Sea Threat Escalates: Saudi Crown Prince Urges Trump to Strike Houthi Forces]** According to a report by Jinse Finance, on September 11, two U.S. officials stated that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made two phone calls to Trump on Thursday, urging him to launch strikes against the Houthi forces. This came after the group seized a strategic coastal city in Yemen on Thursday, bringing them closer to the Mandeb Strait. Trump rejected the request, with U.S. officials emphasizing that the government currently has no plans for direct intervention against the Houthi forces. With Iran already disrupting passage through the Strait of Hormuz, Houthi control of the Mandeb Strait could provide Tehran with a powerful new leverage point to pressure the U.S. and its Gulf allies. The U.S. has expressed concern over the rapid escalation of the situation in Yemen and is increasing its support for Saudi Arabia while attempting to avoid direct military involvement. Saudi Arabia's request for direct U.S. intervention marks a sharp reversal from its stance in July, when Riyadh told Washington it could handle the Houthi forces on its own. However, as the fighting intensifies, Saudi Arabia has begun seeking greater support. *(Jin10)*