Trump says Houthis aim to raise oil prices before US midterms

What happened

United States President Donald Trump has publicly accused Yemen's Houthi rebel group of increasing attacks on Saudi Arabian infrastructure to drive up oil prices ahead of the US midterm elections, according to a statement posted on his Truth Social platform on October 13, 2026. Trump also suggested Iran is directing the Houthis, describing the Iranian government disparagingly and linking it to the attacks and energy price spikes.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Trump further warned that the US may intensify military actions in the Middle East after the November vote, framing this escalation as a response to the Houthis’ renewed activities which he says had been silent for a period. He hinted at a continuation or expansion of the current conflict, which began in February with US and Israeli actions against Iran, affecting regional energy markets and raising domestic economic concerns in the US.

These comments come amid heightened tensions due to the war on Iran launched by Trump’s administration, which has contributed to surging oil prices and increased cost of living pressures in the US. The ongoing conflict and its economic impact are prominent in the upcoming midterm elections where Democrats aim to regain control of Congress by criticizing the president’s policies.

Known from the source

• President Trump stated on Truth Social that the Houthis are escalating attacks on Saudi Arabia to raise oil prices ahead of the US midterm elections.
• Trump claimed Iran is behind the Houthis’ recent activities.
• Trump threatened possible US military escalation in the Middle East after the November elections.
• The US launched a war on Iran with Israel in February 2026, contributing to rising energy prices and cost of living issues in the US.
• Democrats aim to use voter dissatisfaction with the war and economic conditions to gain control of Congress in the midterm elections.

What remains unclear

Trump’s framing explicitly connects regional conflict dynamics in Yemen and Saudi Arabia with US electoral politics, implying the Houthis’ attacks are strategically timed to influence US energy costs and political outcomes. However, these claims remain unverified outside his statements, with no direct independent confirmation of coordination between the Houthis and Iran or intent regarding US elections.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Independent confirmation of increased Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure targeting energy facilities or supply routes. Verification of any direct Iranian control or orders linked to the Houthis’ recent activities. Current US military posture changes or official statements related to potential action against the Houthis or broader Middle East escalation after midterms.

Evidence note

This story contains report-led claims. The article keeps those claims attributed and treats them as unconfirmed/hearsay unless independently corroborated.

Original source: Al Jazeera Yemen. Open the source.