President Donald Trump announced Saturday he will not engage the Iran-backed Houthi group, despite their seizure of new Yemeni territory. The White House confirmed the militants actually reached out to him directly to avoid a fight, a surprising turn reported by RedState. This diplomatic pivot comes as government forces launched a major offensive in southern Yemen on September 7, 2026, per RedState. Deputy Defense Minister Samir al-Sabri declared that “the decision has been made to retake Sanaa” according to the same outlet, yet the Houthis rallied quickly and pushed back toward the Red Sea coastline by Thursday.
🇾🇪⚡- In the past hour, Presidential Leadership Council forces have launched a major offensive in the al-Bayda’ Governorate, southern Yemen.
The fighting is no longer confined to a few directions, Yemen is once again engaged in a full-scale civil war, with clashes ongoing across… https://t.co/JVg25EQdIK pic.twitter.com/z5jQDaQJWY
— Rerum Novarum // Intel, Breaking News, and Alerts (@officialrnintel) September 7, 2026
Saudi Arabia shut down its massive East-West oil pipeline after drone attacks injured several people, according to the Washington Examiner. The 750-mile line, known as Petroline, carries crude from the east to the port of Yanbu. Officials said they closed it as a precaution while crews checked the damage. Trump told reporters in Ireland that he believes Iran is “probably” responsible for the attacks.
He stated, “I think they are, probably they are” regarding the source of the drone strikes per the Washington Examiner. The Houthis have now seized the strategic island of Perim near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
A Houthi fighter films a victory declaration after the group’s advance to the Bab el-Mandeb shoreline in southwestern Yemen, giving thanks for what he calls a “victory and conquest.” The footage, first circulated on Friday, comes as Houthi forces push toward the strait — one of… pic.twitter.com/kwwObQCd2N
— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) September 12, 2026
While the world expects a military clash, Trump says the Houthis called him to say they do not want to fight. He told reporters, “The Houthis called us, and they don’t want to fight with us” per the Washington Examiner. He added that they would prefer not having the United States involved at all. Trump spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whom he called “a good friend” per the Washington Examiner.
Last year: pic.twitter.com/ouBRsLvqm6
— Normal adam (@juden5099) September 12, 2026
He promised that “everything’s going to work out fine and dandy” and said, “It’s going to be great.” This approach contrasts sharply with the fighting happening on the ground as the Yemeni coalition splits. In southwestern Yemen, Houthi forces are moving toward the Bab el-Mandeb shoreline, keeping the situation fluid. RedState reported that Houthi troops are now pushing down the coast with renewed strength.
Scoop: Saudi Crown Prince MBS called President Trump twice Thursday, urging him to launch strikes against the Houthis as the Iran-backed group closed in on a vital Red Sea chokepoint. Trump declined for now, U.S. officials said. My story on @axios https://t.co/oghPv4i9wN
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) September 11, 2026
