Trump Reverses Decision on Houthi Strikes After Saudi Call

President Donald Trump reversed his decision to order U.S. strikes against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen after initially approving them, following a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The move leaves the key Middle East ally without confirmed U.S. military support. Trump had told aides he was disinclined to help Saudi Arabia, then changed his mind after bin Salman’s call on Thursday, ordering the Pentagon to prepare strikes. U.S. commanders approved targets and loaded munitions, but Trump later told Fox News he was in “deciding mode” and by noon had called off the attacks. The Houthis have avoided attacking U.S. ships, but Saudi Arabia faces renewed attacks after a 2022 truce collapsed. Trump needs Saudi airbases for his Iran campaign, now in its eighth month, while Democrats lead by seven points ahead of midterm elections.