United States President Donald Trump was poised to order airstrikes on Iran-backed Houthi targets in Yemen after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged him to step in, but he called off the operation at the last minute, before the strikes could begin. The escalation in conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis has opened a new front amid the ongoing US-Iran war.
MBS called Trump on Thursday to press again for American help against the Houthis, The New York Times reported, citing administration officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Trump had reportedly told advisers a day earlier that he did not favour strikes. However, following MBS’ call, Trump directed the Pentagon to prepare for strikes against Houthis. By midday Sunday, officials said, he had reversed course again, and there would be no strikes for the time being.
The officials said that the pause came at the last moment. Target lists had been approved, and munitions were being loaded onto aircraft. Most of Trump’s inner circle was sceptical of or opposed to entering the fight, particularly with the US military already stretched by the war with Iran, a senior official said.
Trump Signals Understanding With the Houthis
Trump has spoken about the Saudi-Houthis conflict multiple times in the last week. On Sunday, Trump said that Washington is in continuous contact with the Houthis and the group has agreed not to attack America. Trump said that the US is “in constant communication with the Houthis and that they’ve agreed not to fight the United States,” according to Fox News.
Earlier, during his Ireland visit, Trump said, “The Houthis called us, and they don’t want to fight with us… They don’t want us to go after them.”
Saudi Arabia’s Ceasefire Proposal to Houthis
Saudi Arabia has so far seemed reluctant to unleash a major military campaign against the Houthis, wary of bringing greater Houthi attacks on its oil infrastructure and being dragged back into an all-out war. But as Houthi attacks continue, the kingdom faces a potential decision about whether to step up its military response or seek a diplomatic solution.
Earlier this week, Saudi Arabia reportedly asked Oman to broker a temporary truce with the Houthis. The proposal calls for a two-week ceasefire and the opening of direct talks between Riyadh and the Houthi leadership. According to the report by Lebanese newspaper Al Akhbar, the aim is to first discuss the Houthis’ humanitarian demands and then attempt to reach a comprehensive agreement by the end of the ceasefire period.
