U.S. reportedly weighing response to Houthi missile attempts on Saudi targets

U.S. officials are reportedly considering a military response to Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels after the group claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile launch aimed at Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh. The alleged attack, which Saudi authorities said was intercepted, caused a brief explosion and a plume of smoke near the airport but resulted in no reported casualties or damage.

The United States is said to have discussed possible strike options during a meeting at Camp David, according to unnamed sources cited by CNN and relayed by The Hormuz Letter on X. The White House has not confirmed the purpose of President Trump's early return from the retreat.

Saudi officials also reported thwarted Houthi attempts to strike civilian infrastructure in the Red Sea port of Yanbu, as well as in the cities of Taif, Baysh and Farasan. Earlier in the week, Saudi civil defense said debris from an intercepted Houthi drone killed a Yemeni resident in Saudi territory, and the kingdom claimed the rebels tried to target the holy city of Mecca with a drone, a charge the Houthis denied.

In response to the escalating tensions, the U.S. State Department issued an urgent travel advisory urging American citizens in the Middle East to review flight arrangements and remain prepared for sudden disruptions, including possible airspace closures and flight cancellations. The warning now covers Iran, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates and other regional nations, noting that Iran and affiliated groups could target U.S. interests abroad.