14 October 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : US President Donald Trump has said he may seek assistance from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia intensify. Trump’s remarks have raised questions about the possibility of greater regional involvement in the conflict, although Washington has not announced a final decision on further military action against the group.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, October 13, Trump criticised the Houthis, saying they were “behaving very badly.” He expressed confidence that Erdoğan would respond positively if asked to help support Saudi interests. However, Trump did not explain what specific assistance he might request from Türkiye.
Trump Considers Seeking Türkiye’s Support
Trump’s comments came amid rising tensions in the Middle East and renewed Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia. When asked about involving Türkiye in the response, the US president indicated that he might approach Erdoğan for assistance.
Trump described the Turkish president as a friend and said he had considerable respect for him. He also suggested that Erdoğan would be willing to cooperate if Washington made a request.
Despite these remarks, no formal request for Turkish intervention was confirmed in the reports. The nature of any potential involvement, including whether it would involve diplomatic efforts, defensive assistance or another form of support, remains unclear.
The statements come at a time when regional governments are assessing their responses to attacks affecting Saudi territory and important international shipping routes.
Houthi Attacks Increase Regional Tensions
The Houthis, an armed movement based in Yemen with support from Iran, have intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia in recent days. The escalation has increased concerns about regional security, airport operations and the movement of commercial vessels through strategically important waterways.
Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has been among the reported targets. The attacks have disrupted aviation operations and raised concerns about the safety of passengers and airport personnel.
Reuters reported on October 13 that the latest escalation had caused significant casualties and injuries in Saudi Arabia. The situation has also prompted discussions about possible responses by Saudi Arabia’s partners and other regional powers.
The Houthis have also targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a strategic passage connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Disruptions in this area can affect international trade because vessels use the route to travel between Europe and Asia.
Türkiye Has Expressed Support for Saudi Arabia
Erdoğan held a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday to discuss regional developments and the attacks against Saudi Arabia.
According to Türkiye’s official communications authorities, Erdoğan condemned the attacks and expressed condolences over the loss of life. He also reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for Saudi Arabia during the period of heightened tensions.
The conversation is significant because it demonstrates Ankara’s diplomatic engagement with Riyadh while the security situation continues to deteriorate.
Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have also been pursuing closer defence cooperation. However, the precise scope of Türkiye’s future role in the current crisis remains uncertain, and Erdoğan’s expression of support does not itself establish that Turkish forces will participate in offensive military operations.
Will the United States Launch Further Strikes?
Trump has not ruled out additional military action against the Houthis. When reporters asked whether Washington had decided to strike Houthi targets, he declined to provide a definitive answer.
His comments suggest that the US administration is still considering its options. Any decision could depend on developments in Saudi Arabia, the wider conflict involving Iran and the potential consequences of expanding military operations in Yemen.
Trump has also accused the Houthis of resuming attacks under Iran’s influence and attempting to push oil prices higher ahead of the US midterm elections scheduled for November 3. These statements represent the US president’s allegations; the claimed motivation behind the attacks has not been independently established in the reports.
Oil Prices and Global Shipping Concerns
The renewed violence has raised concerns about the possible impact on global energy markets. Saudi Arabia is a major oil producer, and threats to its infrastructure or regional transport routes can create uncertainty for energy supplies.
The Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait are also important for international shipping. Continued attacks could lead shipping companies to reassess routes, increase transportation costs and face longer delivery times if vessels are diverted.
Higher shipping and energy costs can affect businesses and consumers worldwide. However, the actual economic impact will depend on the duration of the conflict, the extent of any disruption and how governments and shipping operators respond.
What Happens Next?
The immediate question is whether Trump will formally approach Erdoğan and what type of assistance he might seek. Türkiye has publicly expressed support for Saudi Arabia, but its precise contribution to any response has not been confirmed.
The United States must also decide whether to pursue diplomatic pressure, provide additional defensive support or undertake further military action. Each option could have different implications for regional security and the ongoing conflict in Yemen.
For now, Trump’s remarks signal the possibility of greater international coordination in response to the Houthi attacks, rather than a confirmed Turkish military intervention. Developments in the coming days will help clarify Washington’s plans, Ankara’s role and the potential consequences for Saudi Arabia and international shipping.