Trump Changes Position on Military Support for Saudi Arabia Against Houthi Rebels

<figure><img alt="Trump" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/J54MS75DKFFTNBJBCLCFMXMFWI.JPG?auth=98d2e0226b6acd66ee7d3d21f025bed1032121f35751b9c1c86cf1bbb56adfce&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2613&amp;height=1470" /><figcaption>Jonathan Ernst / REUTERS</figcaption></figure><p>Donald Trump has changed his stance regarding military support for Saudi Arabia, which is facing attacks from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Houthis resumed hostilities against Saudi Arabia amid the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran.</p><p>Saudi officials have requested assistance from the White House to defend against these attacks. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman contacted Trump on Thursday, urging him to authorize U.S. military involvement in countering the Houthi assaults, according to a report from the New York Times.</p><img alt="At first, the Crown prince appeared to have won the president over. / Win McNamee / Getty Images" height="3076" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/YKR3HFLEUVBKLLVDLPNUYOTBAM.jpg?auth=f5fad78a208bd1627024c8d5504be4bb2dd1a5c806fa7691d1105a4829a4f087&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4614&amp;height=3076" width="4614" /><p>Initially, Trump indicated to his aides that he was not inclined to support military action. However, after his conversation with bin Salman, he directed the Pentagon to prepare for potential strikes against the Houthi targets. U.S. military leaders quickly identified targets and began preparations for the operation.</p><p>In a subsequent interview with Fox News, Trump stated he was still considering the decision regarding military action. By noon, he informed officials that he had decided to postpone the strikes. Many aides had expressed skepticism or opposition to the military response, according to sources cited by the Times.</p><video id="3QYFTSIR" poster="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/3QYFTSIR/poster.jpg"><source src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/3QYFTSIR.mp4" type="video/mp4" /></video><p>This situation presents a challenge for Trump, as he acknowledged during his Fox News call that the Houthis had not attacked U.S. ships in the Persian Gulf. However, he also requires Saudi support in his campaign against Iran, particularly in utilizing U.S. airbases in Saudi Arabia to exert pressure on Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz.</p><p>Trump initiated his campaign against Iran in February, claiming it would last only a few weeks. The conflict is now approaching its eighth month, with no ceasefire in sight. Iran has also closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil supply, leading to increased gas prices and economic repercussions worldwide.</p><p>As Republicans approach the midterm elections in November, Trump may be cautious about opening a new military front, especially as economic concerns are impacting voter sentiment, with Democrats currently leading by seven points in the generic congressional ballot.</p><p>The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comments regarding this situation.</p><p><a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/trumps-secret-white-house-flip-flopping-chaos-on-joining-saudi-attacks-on-houthi-rebels-in-yemen-is-leaked/">Read more at The Daily Beast.</a></p>