US President Halts Planned Airstrikes as Houthis Advance on Red Sea Heights

Houthi forces are advancing toward key elevations in Yemen that could isolate the Red Sea coast from areas held by Saudi-backed troops, after President Donald Trump cancelled a planned U.S. airstrike at the last moment, according to reports. The decision came during a call from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who asked the United States to intervene as the rebels gained control of much of the Red Sea shoreline and moved toward the Bab al-Mandab strait, a vital route for Saudi oil exports.

Trump had earlier instructed the Pentagon to ready aircraft for strikes, then reversed the order while the bombs were being loaded. In a recent interview, he said the Houthis were allowing ships to pass the strait and that the situation would "work out very well," adding that the issue was limited to "one country," a reference to Saudi Arabia.

The United Nations reports that hostilities since early September have displaced at least 125,000 people, with Taiz city receiving up to 86,000 displaced residents. Saudi air campaigns have targeted Houthi positions in the Kahboub mountains, but the rebels continue to push forward in the Al-Wazi’iyah district of Taiz province and along the Indian Ocean coast near Ras al-Ara.

Yemen's internationally recognised president, Rashad al-Alimi, spoke with Trump on Sunday requesting support for his government, but no direct military commitment was made. The United States has avoided further involvement since ending a brief bombing campaign in early 2025 following a ceasefire with the Houthis.

Analysts note that the U.S. decision reflects a desire to safeguard oil supplies through the Hormuz strait while limiting exposure to a broader conflict, a stance that may strain relations with Gulf allies who view Washington as an unreliable security partner.