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Trump Nearly Launched Airstrikes Against Houthis in Yemen After Saudi Plea, Then Pulled Back
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Moneycontrol•21-09-2026, 10:17
Trump Nearly Launched Airstrikes Against Houthis in Yemen After Saudi Plea, Then Pulled Back
- •US President Donald Trump considered airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets in Yemen following an appeal from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
- •Trump initially instructed the Pentagon to prepare for strikes after a phone call with the Saudi Crown Prince, despite earlier reluctance.
- •By Sunday, Trump reversed course, putting the planned operation on hold, even as preparations, including target lists and aircraft readiness, were significantly advanced.
- •Saudi Arabia sought US military support due to the Houthis' expansion along Yemen's Red Sea coast, threatening the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical maritime route.
- •US officials were divided on joining the Saudi campaign, with some questioning the effectiveness of airstrikes and the potential for opening another military front.
Key Questions Answered
Saudi Arabia urged intervention because the Houthis expanded their presence and control around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, threatening commercial shipping, global energy markets, and vital Saudi oil export routes.
Following a phone call from the Saudi crown prince, Trump initially instructed the Pentagon to prepare for airstrikes and had commanders approve target lists, though he later reversed course and put the operation on hold.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait is a critical maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, serving as a vital route for global trade and an essential artery for Saudi oil exports.
