Trump rejected the request, while U.S. officials said the administration does not intend to take direct military action against the Houthis at this time, according to the report.
Axios reported that the U.S. is increasingly concerned about the rapidly escalating conflict in Yemen and is stepping up support for Saudi Arabia while seeking to avoid direct military involvement.
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of the U.S. Central Command, traveled to Saudi Arabia on Thursday for urgent coordination talks, according to the report.
U.S. military and civilian officials have also told their Saudi counterparts in recent weeks that Trump's directive is to keep American forces focused on Iran and safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz, while avoiding the opening of another military front, Axios added.
The escalation dates back to early July, when the Houthis said their forces confronted Saudi "warplanes" that were attempting to prevent an Iranian civilian aircraft from landing at Sanaa International Airport.
The developments highlight the growing concerns in Washington and Riyadh over the rapidly escalating conflict in Yemen, even as the Trump administration seeks to keep U.S. military forces focused on Iran and safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz.
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