Rubio reaffirms US military support for Saudi Arabia
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on La Presse de Tunisie
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed that Washington would continue defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia and protect shipping and energy flows in the Gulf. President Donald Trump will decide on any further operations against the Houthis, while US Central Command continues its efforts in the Strait of Hormuz, CNN reported.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia, including in response to threats facing Gulf countries, CNN reports. He also said the United States maintained its presence in the region and was helping to protect trade and energy flows.
Rubio said US Central Command (Centcom) was continuing operations to secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. US forces are also providing air defence capabilities in cooperation with Gulf states, as missiles and drones threaten commercial vessels, including oil tankers.
Asked about possible US strikes on Iran or the Houthi militia, the secretary of state left the decision on launching further operations against the Houthis to President Donald Trump. His assurances come under the strategic defence agreement concluded between Washington and Riyadh at the White House on 18 November 2025.
The remarks come as Iran recently warned that a new war with the United States would last longer, according to its warning of a prolonged conflict. The US midterm elections are scheduled for 3 November 2026.
