The Trump Administration Does Not Support the Houthis

Donald Trump, the President of the United States, on September 12, 2026, at a press conference in Dublin alongside Micheál Martin, the Prime Minister of Ireland, made statements regarding the situation of the Houthis. He announced that this group had contacted the U.S. government and expressed no desire for conflict with Washington. Trump also stated that the Houthis are allowing more ships to pass and expressed confidence that the situation will progress well.

Recent Developments in Bab al-Mandab

These statements came as the Houthis expanded their control over parts of the Red Sea coast. This group has taken control of the port city of Al-Mokha and the island of Mayyun, completing their control over the Bab al-Mandab region. These developments enable the Houthis to have a direct presence in one of the most important shipping routes in the world.

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Trump's remarks came at a time when the Houthis announced their decision to blockade Saudi oil exports to Asia and the commercial shipping of the country. These developments indicate a weakening of the traditional formula of "security for oil." The events in Bab al-Mandab cannot be seen as an isolated incident. They are part of a series of U.S. withdrawals from security commitments in the region.

U.S. Strategy and the Houthis

The Trump administration also referred to a reduction in direct military intervention in Yemen, and it seems that this group has taken control of part of one of the world's most important maritime passages. Recent reports confirm that Washington is currently refraining from direct involvement in the conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.

Trump stated at this conference that the Houthis are currently not targeting American ships, and therefore, direct U.S. involvement in the conflict could put additional pressure on its forces engaged on the Iranian front. He also claimed that Washington has "complete control" over the Strait of Hormuz, with an average of about 25 ships passing through this waterway daily, although maritime sources have not confirmed this claim.

Finally, Trump pointed out that the Houthis have shown readiness to negotiate and reach an agreement, similar to what they did in 2025 under U.S. conditions. These changes are occurring as the Trump administration's priorities focus on containing Iran and maintaining security in the Strait of Hormuz.

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