US President Donald Trump has claimed that Saudi Arabia and Israel could have been “wiped off the face of the planet” if he had not been president. At the same time, Trump said his relationship with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman remains “very good”. In an interview with TIME published Thursday, Trump was asked about his relationship with Saudi Arabia after reports said he had turned down a request from the crown prince for direct US military action against Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen. “I’ve done a lot for Saudi Arabia. I protect Saudi Arabia," Trump said. “If I weren’t president, Saudi Arabia wouldn’t be here right now. Neither would Israel. They’d be wiped off the face of the planet."

Trump Highlights Relationship With MBS

Trump said his relationship with Mohammed bin Salman, widely known as MBS, remains strong. “I like the crown prince," he said, describing their relationship as “very good". Trump also repeated his wider argument that US protection under his leadership has helped safeguard several countries. “My relationship is very good. But remember, if I weren’t here, there wouldn’t be a Saudi Arabia. There wouldn’t be an Israel. There wouldn’t be various other countries, also," he said. Trump's comments came amid questions over US-Saudi coordination on Yemen and the broader regional security situation.

Saudi Arabia Considers New Yemen Military Operation

Saudi Arabia is also preparing for a possible new military offensive against Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, according to a Reuters report. The plans reportedly include different options. One possibility involves a coastal operation designed to secure shipping routes in the Red Sea. Another option could involve a larger offensive across several fronts. Regional and Western officials told Reuters that Saudi Arabia is considering military action aimed at pushing Houthi forces away from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The strategic waterway connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is an important route for international shipping. The potential operation could involve Yemeni forces supported by Saudi air power. However, the timing and scale of any offensive remain unclear. The United States is providing intelligence support for Saudi operations, but Reuters reported that Washington is not expected to participate directly in combat operations.

Trump Reportedly Rejected Earlier US Air Strike Request

Trump had reportedly rejected previous requests from Mohammed bin Salman for US air strikes against the Houthis. The possible Saudi offensive comes after Houthi forces made gains along parts of Yemen’s coastline. They also took control of areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The developments have increased concerns about the safety of commercial shipping through the strategically important waterway. Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have been on opposite sides of Yemen’s prolonged conflict. A truce largely remained in place from 2022, but renewed regional tensions have brought the conflict back into focus this year.