US weighs next steps as Houthis launch fresh offensive in Yemen

Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen have launched a new offensive targeting government forces in central Yemen, following a month of attacks on Saudi Arabia and Red Sea shipping. The campaign aims to cut off government supply routes and potentially seize control of the entire country. The Houthis are advancing on the mountainous Taiz region and fighting in oil-rich Marib province, facing stiff resistance from local tribes and government forces supported by Saudi airstrikes. Analysts say capturing Taiz and Marib would be decisive, though defenses have not collapsed as they did on the west coast. US President Donald Trump reportedly agreed to launch airstrikes against the Houthis but changed his mind, leaving Saudi Arabia largely isolated in its response. The Houthis seek to influence Saudi military commitments and have long demanded multi-billion dollar reparations for the blockade on Yemeni territory.