Yemen’s Defense Minister to Asharq Al-Awsat: Military Will Respond Firmly to Any Houthi Escalation

Yemeni Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Mohsen Mohammed al-Daeri (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Yemeni Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Mohsen Mohammed al-Daeri (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Yemen’s Defense Minister to Asharq Al-Awsat: Military Will Respond Firmly to Any Houthi Escalation

Yemeni Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Mohsen Mohammed al-Daeri (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Yemeni Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Mohsen Mohammed al-Daeri (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Yemeni Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Mohsen Mohammed al-Daeri said the country’s armed forces and all military formations are at a high state of readiness to respond firmly to any attacks or provocations by the Iran-aligned Houthi militias.

In the first remarks from a senior Yemeni military official following US strikes, al-Daeri said the Houthis bear full responsibility for the recent escalation, the imposition of international sanctions, and the militarization of regional waters, which have worsened the humanitarian and economic situation for Yemenis.

Al-Daeri warned the Houthis that all military formations under the Presidential Leadership Council are operating in close coordination and stand united against any escalation by the group.

The warning comes after the US launched a large-scale military campaign on March 15 targeting Houthi sites and leaders in response to their continued attacks on commercial shipping and international navigation in the Red Sea.

“Our brave armed forces and all military units under the Presidential Leadership Council are at a high level of readiness to respond firmly to any attacks or reckless actions by the Houthi militia,” al-Daeri told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“There is strong coordination among all these forces through the Joint Operations Command, which includes representatives from each formation, ensuring a unified front against any escalation by the terrorist Houthi militias,” he added.

The minister also said the Iran-aligned Houthis have rejected all peace initiatives and opted for destructive escalation, harming Yemeni lives and threatening international security by targeting global shipping routes.

“Despite the Presidential Leadership Council and the government making concessions to ease the suffering of the Yemeni people and responding to peace efforts led by Saudi Arabia and the Coalition to Support Legitimacy, the Houthi militias have remained defiant,” he said.

“They have dismissed these initiatives and escalated their attacks, targeting livelihoods, oil infrastructure, and extending their terrorism to international waters, disrupting global trade and security,” added al-Daeri.



Saudi-US Business Council: Trump’s Visit Marks New Chapter in Partnership

Charles Hallab, Chairman of the Saudi-US Business Council (Asharq Al-Awsat) 
Charles Hallab, Chairman of the Saudi-US Business Council (Asharq Al-Awsat) 
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Saudi-US Business Council: Trump’s Visit Marks New Chapter in Partnership

Charles Hallab, Chairman of the Saudi-US Business Council (Asharq Al-Awsat) 
Charles Hallab, Chairman of the Saudi-US Business Council (Asharq Al-Awsat) 

US President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE is being seen as a milestone, with its primary focus on economics, investment, and strategic deal-making.

Accompanying him is an unprecedented delegation of US business leaders and CEOs from major sectors including finance, banking, cryptocurrency, technology, artificial intelligence, healthcare, manufacturing, and hospitality. These leaders are seeking to open new investment horizons, forge partnerships, and follow Trump’s lead in crafting “win-win” deals that strengthen bilateral commercial ties.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Charles Hallab, Chairman of the Saudi-US Business Council, said that Trump’s choice of Saudi Arabia as his first international destination signals the beginning of a new era in relations between the United States, Saudi Arabia, the Gulf region, and the broader Middle East.

“Beyond the warm welcome and political discussions, this visit will feature the announcement of new business deals and a celebration of the success of previous agreements,” he said. “More importantly, it marks the start of a deeper phase of economic cooperation and private-sector engagement between the two countries. The agreements set to be signed will significantly strengthen these ties and open doors to diverse investment opportunities.”

Driving Business Forward

Hallab, who is also the founder of Barrington Global, explained that the Saudi-US Business Council is playing an active role in this visit. “Our members and partners are fully engaged in the Investment Forum at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. There is considerable anticipation surrounding the major deals to be announced, and I can confirm that several significant agreements and new bilateral initiatives will be unveiled,” he said.

He added that interest spans numerous sectors—from defense, aerospace, and technology to newer areas like education, tourism, culture, and quality of life.

He said: “American business leaders are enthusiastic about forming partnerships with Saudi counterparts. President Trump is also keen to attract nearly $1 trillion in Saudi investments to the United States. This mutual interest shows that both sides are committed not only to commercial exchange but to meaningful, strategic collaboration.”

Hallab noted that this year’s investment forum stands out from those held in the past. “There is a new energy—an unprecedented focus on investments that align with the long-term economic goals of both nations. It’s no longer about short-term returns. Investments are being evaluated based on their broader impact, sustainability, and alignment with national visions such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”

He explained that Saudi investors are looking for opportunities in the US that make sense within this broader strategy—not just financial gains, but partnerships that advance their long-term objectives. “I’m very optimistic. The pieces are falling into place in a way that serves both countries’ goals, which is exactly what we at the Business Council aim to promote—mutual benefit and shared growth.”

The Political Dimension

When asked about the role of politics, including negotiations with Iran and potential ceasefires in Gaza, Hallab acknowledged their influence. “We closely monitor political developments as they inevitably impact business decisions. But Trump’s visit highlights Saudi Arabia’s rising global stature, both economically and diplomatically.”

He praised the remarkable progress of Vision 2030, especially in terms of regulatory reform, anti-corruption efforts, and economic diversification, saying: “Having worked in the region for nearly 30 years, I’ve never seen changes of this scale and speed. Today, unemployment is under 7%, women make up 34% of the workforce, and over half of Saudi GDP comes from the non-oil sector. Saudi Arabia has emerged as a dynamic, diversified economy and a global tourism destination.”

Hallab concluded: “We at the Saudi-US Business Council are proud to contribute to this transformation and are committed to deepening our shared economic future.”