Donald Trump initially agreed to Saudi Arabia's request for US military strikes against the Houthis following a personal call from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, only to reverse the decision within days. The reversal came despite military preparations already underway, with bombs being loaded onto warplanes and target lists approved. Trump's inner circle reportedly opposed the intervention, and the decision matters as it reflects a significant shift in US policy towards the Iran-allied militant group and its relationship with Saudi Arabia.

The conflict centres on the Houthis' escalating offensive in Yemen, where the Iran-backed group has seized much of the country and taken control of the vital Red Sea coast and Bab al-Mandab strait. Saudi Arabia faced intensifying pressure, including a ballistic missile attack on the capital Riyadh on Saturday. Trump claimed the Houthis had agreed not to attack the United States, stating Washington maintains "constant communication" with the group. The broader conflict, which began in 2014 with the Houthi capture of Sanaa, had largely frozen since 2022 before reigniting in July, with the Houthis launching 28 strikes on Yemen in a single 24-hour period.