Mohammed bin Salman and Admiral Brad Cooper Discuss Regional Developments

ARK News.. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed regional developments with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper in Jeddah on Monday, September 14, 2026, amid escalating fighting with the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen.

According to Saudi state media, the meeting addressed the latest regional developments and security issues of mutual interest.

The meeting came days after three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that the Saudi crown prince had requested military assistance from U.S. President Donald Trump in the fight against the Houthis.

The sources said Trump had declined to authorize U.S. airstrikes against the group, but Washington had informed Riyadh that it would provide intelligence support and assistance in identifying targets.

The Houthis have stepped up attacks on Saudi cities and energy infrastructure while advancing along Yemen’s Red Sea coast toward the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a major international shipping route.

The escalation has effectively opened a second front in the wider regional conflict and raised concerns over Saudi oil exports and global maritime shipping.

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