President Trump is avoiding renewed US strikes on Yemen's Houthis due to practical constraints and limited strategic incentives.

Last year's Operation Rough Rider yielded limited results, and the ongoing conflict with Iran has strained US munitions stocks.

Immediate pressure on Washington is reduced as the Houthis currently pledge not to attack American shipping.

Washington now views containing the Houthis as cheaper than attempting to defeat them, especially given simultaneous crises in Iran, Gaza, and Ukraine.

The Houthis have become more capable through local weapons production and integrating AI into their arsenal, making military defeat difficult.