The New York Times reported that former U.S. President Trump decided against launching strikes on the Houthis in Yemen, despite the Pentagon having prepared for the operation. The decision was reversed on a Sunday, after initial orders to prepare airstrikes.

According to the report, Trump's inner circle was largely opposed to joining Saudi Arabia's conflict with the Houthis, citing existing strains on the U.S. military due to the war with Iran. The strikes were reportedly imminent, with target lists approved and bombs being loaded onto U.S. warplanes before Trump's final decision to halt the operation.