The Houthis are drawing a stark line between Washington and Riyadh as Yemen’s war escalates. Mohamed al-Bukhaiti told AP the group assured the Trump administration that U.S. vessels would not be targeted in Bab al-Mandab, while warning countries against joining Saudi Arabia’s fight. The message follows Houthi gains along Yemen’s western coast, including Mokha and strategic Red Sea islands, and reports that Trump decided against renewed U.S. strikes despite Saudi requests for military support. With the Houthis claiming the balance of power has shifted, is MBS being left to confront them without direct American intervention?