Trump halts Houthi strike plan after Saudi crown prince's plea

President Donald Trump called off planned US airstrikes against Yemen's Houthis at the last minute this weekend, following a personal plea from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to a New York Times report. The strikes were halted after target lists were approved and bombs were being loaded onto warplanes, with Trump reversing his decision after initially instructing the Pentagon to prepare the operation. Most of Trump's inner circle opposed the strikes, citing strain on US forces already involved in the conflict with Iran. The Houthis have seized Yemen's Red Sea coastline and are pushing toward strategic highlands, while also claiming missile attacks on Riyadh. Trump said the US remains in communication with the Houthis, who have agreed not to attack American forces, though officials warned that understanding would likely collapse if Washington resumed airstrikes.