Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sought assistance from President Donald Trump on Thursday to help fight Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis, two sources familiar with the matter said on Friday.

The development comes as the Houthis stepped up their threat to the Red Sea. President Trump held at least two phone conversations with the crown prince on the matter.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the timing of the outreach and the focus on countering the Houthis. The group, which controls significant territory in Yemen, has long been aligned with Iran and has disrupted international shipping lanes.

Saudi Arabia has faced ongoing challenges from the Houthis in the region. The crown prince's direct appeal to the Trump administration underscores the urgency of the situation from Riyadh's perspective.

The Red Sea serves as a critical artery for global trade, connecting the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal. Disruptions there can affect supply chains and energy markets worldwide.

This latest development follows a pattern of Houthi actions targeting commercial vessels. The Trump administration's response will be closely watched by allies in the Middle East concerned about Iranian influence.

Officials in both countries have not issued public statements on the calls as of Friday afternoon. The two sources emphasized that the conversations were substantive and centered on practical assistance options.

Discussions over the complex security dynamics in the Arabian Peninsula and the role of external powers in the ongoing conflict in Yemen are an ongoing as the situation develops.