Trump decided not to launch U.S. strikes on the Houthis in Yemen, reversing course after the Pentagon had already prepared for the operation.

After Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged him to intervene, Trump ordered the Pentagon to prepare airstrikes. But by Sunday, he changed his mind again.

Most of Trump’s inner circle was deeply skeptical or outright opposed to joining Saudi Arabia’s fight against the Houthis, particularly because of the strains already facing the U.S. military in the war with Iran.

The strikes were close to beginning, with target lists approved and bombs being loaded onto U.S. warplanes when Trump pulled back.

Source: NYT