Reuters, according to sources in the West and the Gulf and regional sources:

Reuters, according to sources in the West and the Gulf and regional sources:

The United States and European countries are not ready to provide direct military support to Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh wants Egypt to play a role in Red Sea operations, recalling Cairo's intervention in 2015 when its naval and air forces helped secure Bab al-Mandab. There was no immediate news if Cairo would agree to it.

Saudi Arabia now faces a limited array of options. Allowing the Houthis to consolidate their gains risks turning tactical victories into permanent strategic encroachment, while a larger military response could trigger attacks deeper into the kingdom.