In brief
Prince Khalid bin Salman and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth held a phone call on Monday to review strategic defense collaboration and the escalating threat from Yemen’s Houthi militia. The discussion included efforts to de‑escalate tensions in the region and the continuation of attacks on Saudi territory. The Saudi-led coalition has been fighting the Houthis since 2015, and the dialogue reflects a broader push for regional security.
Saudi Arabia’s defense minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, called U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Monday to review how the two countries can work together against rising tension and ongoing Houthi attacks.
The call took place amid a surge of Houthi missile and airplane raids that have struck Saudi towns and infrastructure.
Prince Khalid said the conversation covered “regional and global developments, including efforts to de‑escalate tensions in the region and the continued Houthi terrorist attacks against the Kingdom.”
“We also discussed regional and global developments, including efforts to de‑escalate tensions in the region and the continued Houthi terrorist attacks against the Kingdom,” said Prince Khalid.
Both defense chiefs reviewed how their nations can strengthen military cooperation to counter the Houthi threat, a group that has been fighting for control of Yemen since the 2014 takeover of the capital Sanaa.
The Saudi‑led coalition, which began the military effort in March 2015, still faces frequent attacks from the Houthi militia on the Saudi border.
By working together, the United States and Saudi Arabia aim to reduce hostilities in Yemen and protect Saudi territory from further Houthi incursions.
