Why Trump is leaving Saudi Arabia alone to fight the Houthis

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Trump Withholds Support as Houthis Attack Saudi Oil Infrastructure

   President Donald Trump is leaving Saudi Arabia to manage its conflict with the Iran-backed Houthis independently, despite Houthi attacks threatening global oil supplies. Saudi Arabia is currently struggling to defend its oil infrastructure and faces a two-front war. While the kingdom possesses significant wealth and advanced weaponry, reports indicate the military is fumbling its response. This shift in U.S. policy forces Riyadh to confront the limits of its friendship with Trump as it seeks international support at the United Nations General Assembly.

   Why it matters

   The Houthis are an Iran-backed group in Yemen whose escalating attacks provide Iran with strategic leverage in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia's inability to secure its energy assets risks destabilizing global energy markets. The conflict has evolved following a seven-day lightning offensive that altered the war's trajectory in Yemen.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Trump is leaving Saudi Arabia alone to fight the Houthis despite threats to global oil supplies.
   • Saudi Arabia is fumbling in its fight against the Houthis despite having advanced weapons and wealth.
   • Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia are providing Iran with leverage in the Middle East.
   • Saudi Arabia is facing a two-front war.
   • Houthi attacks are choking off Saudi oil.

   What to watch next

   • Outcomes of Saudi Arabia's requests for support at the UN General Assembly.
   • Changes in U.S. military aid or diplomatic engagement regarding Houthi attacks.
   • Further escalation of Houthi strikes on Saudi oil infrastructure.
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. Institute for the Study of War — Iran Update, September 16, 2026
   2. The Washington Post — As attacks choke off Saudi oil, kingdom confronts limits of Trump’s friendship
   3. Institute for the Study of War — Iran Update, September 18, 2026
   4. New Lines Magazine — The Seven-Day Lightning Offensive That Changed Yemen’s War
   5. The New York Times — Why the Iran-Backed Houthis in Yemen and Saudi Arabia Are Back at War
   6. New York Post — Why Trump is leaving Saudi Arabia alone to fight the Houthis — even as they threaten global oil supplies
   7. Yahoo — Houthis' escalating attacks on Saudi Arabia give Iran leverage in the Middle East
   8. The Jerusalem Post — Saudi Arabia faces a two-front war as it seeks support at UNGA
   9. Just Security — Early Edition: September 21, 2026
   10. The Times of Israel — Despite wealth and advanced weapons, Saudis fumbling in fight against Houthis
   11. jen.jiji.com — Worker dies falling at the Colosseum: Andrea Moretti was 22 years old, leaves 3 sisters. Who he was
   12. enterpriseam.com — The road less traveled
   confidence 60%