Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 14
Mohammed bin Salman Meets U.S. General as Brent Jumps 4% on Houthi Gains
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 14

Mohammed bin Salman Meets U.S. General as Brent Jumps 4% on Houthi Gains

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 14

Summary

  • Jeddah talks between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and CENTCOM chief Adm. Brad Cooper came as Houthi advances in Yemen raised fresh risks to Saudi security and global oil flows.
  • Houthi forces last week seized Mokha and Perim Island, extending their reach over the Bab al-Mandab Strait, where they have threatened Saudi shipping through a key Red Sea choke point.
  • Brent crude rose nearly 4% to above $108 a barrel on Monday and is now about 50% higher than before the February war began, reflecting fears of disruption in both the Red Sea and Gulf.
  • Saudi officials had urged President Trump to take military action against the Houthis, but he declined, while U.S.-Iran diplomacy to end the wider conflict has stalled.
  • The fighting has revived Yemen's civil war after a 2022 cease-fire; Saudi civil defense on Monday warned of incoming attacks on Khamis Mushait and Abha, with no casualties reported.

Insights

What secret munitions deal did the U.S. and Saudi Arabia just strike to reclaim Yemen's most critical maritime chokepoint?
With Houthis choking the Red Sea and Iran squeezing Hormuz, could this dual threat trigger an unprecedented global energy crisis?