Trump Considered Military Action Against Houthis in Yemen

<p>President Trump considered ordering a military strike against the Houthis in Yemen over the weekend but ultimately decided against it, according to two U.S. officials.</p><p><strong>Context:</strong> Trump faced pressure to assist Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman while also avoiding further military involvement in the Middle East.</p><hr /><p><strong>Background:</strong> Ten days prior, bin Salman contacted Trump twice, urging him to strike the Houthis as they approached a critical Red Sea chokepoint. Trump declined the request, agreeing only to provide intelligence and targeting data to the Saudis. U.S. officials indicated that military action would not occur as long as the Houthis did not disrupt non-Saudi shipping in the Red Sea. Subsequently, U.S. diplomats met with Houthi representatives, who assured them that they would not close the Bab-al-Mandeb Strait.</p><p><strong>Recent Developments:</strong> Last week, the Saudis, struggling to counter Houthi advances, requested military action from Trump again. During the weekend, Trump consulted with senior advisers regarding potential strikes. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Adm. Brad Cooper prepared airstrike options, which were presented to Secretary of Defense Hegseth on Saturday. However, Trump ultimately chose to refrain from military action, as reported by another U.S. official.</p><p>The New York Times first reported on Trump's considerations regarding the potential strike in Yemen. The White House and the Saudi embassy in Washington did not provide comments on the matter.</p><p><strong>Expert Opinion:</strong> Alex Plitsas, a fellow at the Atlantic Council and former Pentagon official, stated, "The president changed his mind and did not want to open a Pandora's box by striking because it could cause the Houthis to hold the Bab-al-Mandeb at risk and create a second choke point," adding that this could lead to increased oil prices while the Saudis were expected to manage the Houthi situation.</p><p><strong>Current Situation:</strong> The Saudis and Yemeni government forces have been planning a counteroffensive against the Houthi rebels for two weeks, but it has faced multiple delays. Meanwhile, the Houthis have intensified their attacks on Saudi Arabia, including a missile launch toward Riyadh over the weekend.</p>