WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has struggled for two weeks with Saudi Arabia’s requests for American military intervention against Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement, repeatedly reconsidering whether to authorise airstrikes as the wider Middle East conflict intensifies.
Ordering attacks on Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen could draw the United States into another military confrontation while its war with Iran remains unresolved and continues to disrupt the global economy.
Saudi Arabia has sought Washington’s assistance after the Houthis took advantage of regional instability to resume their conflict with the kingdom this summer.
The issue became more urgent on Thursday when Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s de facto ruler and a key American partner in the Iran conflict, telephoned Trump to renew his request for military support against the advancing Houthi forces, according to administration officials.
A day earlier, Trump had told his advisers that he opposed launching strikes against the group. However, following his conversation with the Saudi crown prince, the president changed his position and instructed the Pentagon to prepare for air operations against Houthi targets.
By midday Sunday, Trump had reconsidered once again.
Administration officials said the United States would not conduct airstrikes against the Houthis for the time being, although the possibility of future military action had not been ruled out.
The officials requested anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss military planning.
