NEW YORK Sept 21, 2026 – President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to prepare airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets in Yemen following an urgent appeal from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, only to reverse the order hours before the operation was set to begin, according to multiple U.S. media reports.
The New York Times first reported that Trump had vacillated for two weeks over Saudi requests for direct American military help as Houthi forces advanced toward key terrain near the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb strait. On Wednesday, Trump told advisers he did not favor strikes. After a Thursday phone call with bin Salman, he reversed course and instructed the Pentagon to prepare an operation.
By Sunday, commanders had approved target lists and troops were loading bombs onto U.S. warplanes selected for the missions. The first wave of attacks was imminent when Trump called it off by midday. NBC News later reported that Trump had ordered the strikes to begin around 5 p.m. Eastern time Sunday, but the military received word shortly after 2 p.m. that the order was canceled.
U.S. military leaders were divided on the wisdom of opening another front. Some warned that action against the Houthis could stretch already strained munitions stockpiles and create risks for American forces focused on the broader conflict with Iran, including operations around the Strait of Hormuz. Others argued the United States should support a key ally after Houthi attacks on Saudi territory, including the downing of a Saudi F-15 and recent strikes claimed against Riyadh.
The Houthis said they launched ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones at “sensitive sites” in the Saudi capital and an Aramco facility in Yanbu over the weekend. Saudi authorities said they intercepted a ballistic missile fired at Riyadh—the first such alert in the capital since fighting escalated this summer—and reported no casualties. Smoke was visible near Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport after a fuel tank fire.
Washington has continued to provide Saudi Arabia with intelligence, planning assistance, military advisers, and some logistical support, but has so far declined to join combat operations. Trump has said the United States maintains communication with the Houthis and that the group has agreed not to target American forces or vessels, consistent with an earlier understanding that paused U.S. strikes in 2025.
The White House declined to discuss the deliberations on the record. A senior administration official said only that the United States has a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and “will always defend our allies.” Officials indicated the option of future strikes has not been taken off the table.
Houthi fighters continued pressing to seize high ground that would further isolate remaining Saudi-backed areas from the Red Sea coast, Reuters reported. The episode underscores the administration’s caution about expanding the Middle East war while U.S. resources remain committed to the Iran campaign and midterm elections approach.
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