U.S. President Donald Trump came close to authorizing airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen over the weekend but ultimately called off the planned military operation at the last minute, following appeals from Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
According to reports, Trump had spent roughly two weeks considering repeated requests from Saudi Arabia for U.S. military support to counter the Iran-backed Houthi movement, which has intensified its offensive in Yemen, escalating the ongoing conflict and increasing pressure on Saudi Arabia. Initially, Trump expressed reluctance to initiate strikes, telling advisers on Wednesday that he did not favor military action. However, after a phone call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday, Trump reversed his stance and directed the Pentagon to prepare airstrikes.
By midday Sunday, the U.S. military had nearly finalized plans, with target lists approved and troops loading munitions onto aircraft designated for the operation. The first wave of attacks was imminent when the president again reconsidered and halted the strikes. Officials familiar with the planning described the cancellation as occurring at a late stage, reflecting the complexity and fluidity of the decision-making process.
Officials from the White House declined to comment on Trump’s deliberations, with a senior administration official reaffirming the United States’ defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and the country’s commitment to defending its allies. The Pentagon and U.S. Central Command referred inquiries to the White House.
The near-launch of strikes highlighted a broader strategic dilemma for the Trump administration amid increasing tensions with Iran. Several senior advisors reportedly expressed skepticism or opposition to engaging further militarily in Yemen due to concerns about overextending U.S. forces already involved in regional conflicts. On the other hand, some military officials argued that escalating Houthi missile and drone attacks against Saudi targets justified a U.S. response.
In the wake of the developments, Rashid al-Alimi, head of Yemen’s Saudi-backed government recognized internationally, reportedly called Trump to request U.S. military assistance. However, sources indicated that the president did not make any direct commitments during the conversation.
The Houthi forces, who have controlled Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, since 2014, recently captured key areas on Yemen’s Red Sea coast, routing Saudi-backed government forces there. Saudi Arabia has conducted hundreds of airstrikes in an effort to push back the Houthis but has been unable to reverse their territorial gains. On Saturday, Riyadh experienced explosions near its airport area attributed to Houthi missile fire, marking the first such attack on the Saudi capital since the latest escalation. Saudi authorities have not officially commented on the incident.
The situation remains tense as Yemen’s conflict deepens, underscoring the challenges facing U.S. policy in the region as it balances alliance commitments with concerns about further military entanglement.