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Trump Rejects Saudi Strikes as Houthis Seize Perim

By Drooid · Sep 11, 2026, 1:37 PM UTC · How we work

Center

Trump Rejects Strike

Houthi forces seized Perim (Mayyun) island in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and Mocha port city on 11 September 2026.
U.S. Central Command commander Admiral Brad Cooper flew to Saudi Arabia Thursday for coordination meetings after the Crown Prince’s strike request.
President Donald Trump rejected the Crown Prince’s two calls, saying United States will not strike.
The United States will continue providing intelligence, targeting data and non-kinetic support to Saudi forces.

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Trump Rejects Strike

Houthi forces seized Perim (Mayyun) island in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and Mocha port city on September 11, 2026.
The seizure threatens the Bab al-Mandeb shipping lane, risking global trade disruptions and higher consumer energy costs.
President Donald Trump declined the Crown Prince's two calls for U.S. strikes.
The United States will provide intelligence, targeting data, and 200 non-combat personnel in Saudi Arabia.

History

Historical Context

In August 1990 Iraq seized Kuwait, prompting a coalition that launched a 100-hour ground assault and stationed forces in Saudi Arabia’s Dhahran. Decades of Iraqi claims over Kuwait trace back to Qasim’s 1961 assertion and British border enforcement. On 11 September 2026 Houthi fighters captured Perim Island and Mocha, threatening the Bab al-Mandeb, while Admiral Brad Cooper limited response to intelligence and 200 advisors.

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Trump Rejects Strike

Houthi forces seized Perim (Mayyun) island in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and Mocha port city on 11 September 2026.
U.S. Central Command commander Admiral Brad Cooper flew to Saudi Arabia Thursday for coordination meetings after the Crown Prince’s strike request.
President Donald Trump rejected the Crown Prince’s two calls, saying United States will not strike.
The United States will continue providing intelligence, targeting data and non-kinetic support to Saudi forces.

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