Saudi Arabia and Yemeni government forces are preparing for a major counteroffensive against the Iran-backed Houthis. The objective is to dislodge them from strategic areas along the Red Sea coast that control the vital Bab al-Mandeb Strait. This strait is crucial for global trade and Saudi oil exports. For the second time recently, the U.S. declined Saudi requests for airstrikes to support this operation. However, U.S. officials indicated this stance could change if the offensive encounters difficulties. The Houthis have recently seized key positions controlling the strait and escalated attacks on Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has responded with retaliatory airstrikes. The planned operation involves Yemeni ground forces supported by Saudi air cover. The Saudi Defense Minister briefed the U.S. Defense Secretary on the operation and again requested U.S. airstrikes. The U.S. currently states it will not engage in direct combat. President Trump had considered U.S. strikes following a request from the Saudi Crown Prince but ultimately decided against it. This reflects Trump's struggle to balance supporting Saudi Arabia with avoiding further Middle East entanglement. U.S. Central Command also had concerns, viewing strikes in Yemen as a distraction from their focus on Iran. The U.S. military is providing intelligence and targeting data support to the Saudi forces, short of direct combat involvement. In the past two weeks, the U.S. has provided over 200 Houthi targets for Saudi strikes, reportedly increasing pressure on the Houthis.