Targets Approved, Bombs Loaded & Then Trump Blinked: Why US Pulled Back from Houthi Strikes The recent revelation that President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes against Iranian backed Houthis in Yemen, only to halt them at the last minute, highlights the complexities and perils of military intervention.
The episode raises questions about the wisdom of inserting the US into regional conflicts, particularly when backing allies with questionable track records.
The decision to target the Houthis was driven by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's (MBS) entreaties to Trump, who had been wavering over whether to join the fray.