Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman asked US President Donald Trump for help countering Yemens Iran-aligned Houthis as threats to Red Sea shipping intensified, according to two sources. Washington declined direct military action for now but offered intelligence and targeting support, marking a shift in Riyadhs approach to the Houthis.

Mohammed bin Salman reportedly called US president twice as Iran-backed Yemeni rebels advanced on key coastal city of Mocha; Houthis said to complete takeover of Bab el-Mandeb…

Trump rejected the request, and US officials said the administration does not intend to take direct military action against the Houthis at this time, the report said.

The Iran-backed Houthis, who have for years controlled large parts of northern Yemen, launched a large-scale offensive last week against Saudi-backed government forces, killing…