Trump Pulls Back From Planned Strikes on Yemen’s Houthis at Last Minute, NYT Reports
U.S. President Donald Trump reversed course Sunday on plans for military strikes against Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis, despite having instructed the Pentagon to prepare for an attack days earlier, according to The New York Times.
The decision followed renewed pressure from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who contacted Trump on Thursday and urged the United States to intervene as the Houthis continued their advance in Yemen. Trump had initially opposed direct U.S. military action before changing his position after the call, according to administration officials cited by Coin Bureau The New York Times.
Trump Reversed Course After Pentagon Preparations
The New York Times reported that Trump’s decision to authorize preparations for an attack came after his conversation with Mohammed bin Salman. The Pentagon subsequently moved toward operational preparations for possible strikes against Houthi targets.
By Sunday, however, Trump had reversed his position again. According to people briefed on the operation cited by The New York Times, commanders had approved target lists, while bombs were being loaded onto U.S. warplanes selected for the missions. The first wave of attacks was reportedly close to beginning when the operation was halted.
The White House did not publicly detail Trump’s deliberations. A senior administration official told The New York Times that the United States has a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and would defend its allies.
Trump said Sunday that he remained in “deciding mode” regarding the broader war involving Iran, according to the newspaper.
Administration Officials Remain Skeptical
The New York Times also reported that much of Trump’s inner circle remained skeptical of joining Saudi Arabia in military action against the Houthis.
The concerns come as Washington weighs whether another U.S. air campaign would achieve its objectives while opening an additional military front in a region already affected by the conflict with Iran. Administration officials also questioned the effectiveness of supporting Yemeni forces opposing the Houthis, according to the report.
The United States previously conducted an extended campaign against the Houthis in 2025. The New York Times reported that U.S. Central Command struck more than 1,000 targets during that operation, including radar systems, air defenses, ballistic missile sites, drone launch areas and a drone production hub near Sanaa.
Trump later announced a cease-fire with the Houthis, saying the group had agreed to stop attacking ships.
Saudi Arabia Seeks Greater U.S. Support
The latest dispute comes as Saudi Arabia faces renewed attacks from the Houthis. Reuters reported earlier this month that Mohammed bin Salman had sought U.S. military assistance from Trump, although Washington initially markets declined to authorize direct strikes and instead agreed to provide intelligence and targeting support.
The Saudi crown prince also met U.S. Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper in Jeddah on Sept. 14 amid the escalating conflict. Reuters reported that the discussions followed Saudi requests for greater assistance against the Houthis, whose attacks have threatened Saudi infrastructure and the strategic Red Sea region.
For now, The New York Times reported that Trump has decided not to join Saudi Arabia in strikes against the Houthis, leaving open whether the United States could reconsider direct military action as the regional conflict develops.
Writer: Victoria HaleTechnology & Blockchain WriterVictoria Hale writes about blockchain technology, digital infrastructure, and the intersection of emerging technologies with finance. Her articles explore how new protocols and systems are shaping the evolving digital economy.She prioritises clarity and accuracy when explaining technical developments to a general audience.
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