US President Donald Trump has warned Yemen’s Houthi rebels over attacks on Saudi Arabia, suggesting he could seek Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s involvement as regional tensions intensify. (Images: X)
Washington DC: US President Donald Trump has warned Yemen’s Houthi rebels over their attacks on Saudi Arabia, while leaving open the possibility of military action and suggesting that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could assist Washington.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday before travelling to Alaska, Trump described the Houthis’ conduct as 'very bad' ,but declined to reveal whether he had made a decision on striking the group.
Asked whether he might seek Turkey’s involvement in operations concerning Yemen, Trump praised Erdogan and said he had considerable respect for the Turkish leader. “I might do it,” Trump said, adding that he believed Erdogan would respond positively if asked.
The remarks come as attacks and counter-threats involving the Houthis and Saudi Arabia heighten concerns about a wider regional confrontation.
According to Saudi Civil Defence, four people were injured and 15 residential properties damaged by debris in Riyadh after two cruise missiles were intercepted and destroyed. Saudi Arabia’s Energy Ministry also reported an attack on an administrative building belonging to Saudi Aramco in Dhahran, where a fire broke out.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree had declared Aramco facilities legitimate targets and urged employees and civilians near the installations to leave. The group also threatened retaliation against Riyadh if Saudi Arabia targeted Yemen’s capital, Sanaa.
Trump also criticised Iran, describing it as a “failed country” and claiming its economy was in severe difficulty. He said Washington would decide its next steps concerning Tehran soon. He further claimed that the United States had control of the Strait of Hormuz and that oil was moving through it.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran was willing to support diplomatic efforts to resolve the Saudi-Yemen conflict. Iran urged the parties to pursue dialogue, warning that continued hostilities would not serve the interests of the wider region.
The situation remains tense as military threats, reported attacks and diplomatic efforts continue.
