Saudi leader, U.S. military chief meet as escalating conflict rattles oil markets

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with U.S. Central Command chief Adm. Brad Cooper in Jeddah on Monday, days after President Trump rebuffed his request for military help against Houthi forces in Yemen, according to a report by The New York Times.

The talks addressed “the latest regional developments,” Saudi state media said. The Houthis recently seized the strategic port of Mokha and the island of Perim, tightening their grip on the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Prince Mohammed had urged Trump to take military action, but Trump declined. Brent crude jumped nearly 4% to over $108 a barrel on Monday, roughly 50% higher than pre-war levels, amid fears of disrupted Red Sea shipping routes.