Why Trump called off the operation against the Houthis – NYT

US President Donald Trump canceled planned military strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen at the last moment, despite pressure from Saudi Arabia and Pentagon preparations. Advisors expressed skepticism due to forces already engaged in the confrontation with Iran. US diplomatic agencies in nine countries in the region issued warnings about escalation. Trump cut short his vacation at Camp David after Saudi air defenses repelled a Houthi missile attack on Riyadh.

US President Donald Trump canceled planned military strikes against Iran-backed Houthi positions in Yemen at the last moment. Saudi Arabia insisted on a strong military intervention from Washington, and under this pressure, the White House initially ordered preparations for strikes. The Pentagon had approved detailed target lists, and technical personnel were loading munitions onto aircraft. However, by noon the situation changed: key presidential advisors expressed skepticism about opening a new front while US forces were already engaged in a strategic confrontation with Iran. Against this backdrop, US diplomatic agencies in nine countries in the region, including Israel, Jordan, Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, issued emergency warnings about the risks of escalation. Trump cut short his vacation at Camp David and returned to Washington. Western media linked this to the repelling of a Houthi missile attack on Riyadh by Saudi air defenses.