The Houthis Have a Rich Sense of Irony

When U.S. forces initiated air strikes against the Houthis in March 2025, then-national security adviser Michael Waltz expressed his pride by messaging with senior officials emojis such as the fist bump, American flag, and fire. Steve Witkoff, the Middle East special envoy, joined in with American flag, prayer-hand, and flexed bicep emojis.

President Trump, by then, declared the Iran-backed militia "absolutely on the run" and predicted their total annihilation on social media. The U.S. military operation, costing over $1 billion, was marked by Trump's exaggerated claims of victory in rallies.

By May 2025, the conflict concluded through an Oman-brokered deal. The U.S. halted strikes and the Houthis ceased targeting American ships. Trump declared the Houthi leaders "capitulated." However, the Houthi leadership seems to be reveling in their military successes, having regained ground and resumed attacks. In July, the group threatened to impose a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia, which it currently holds a portion of the Red Sea coast.

Houthi attacks have also targeted Saudi oil infrastructure, with Saudi Arabia reporting its first civilian casualty since the renewed conflict. The group's advances have complicated U.S. relations with Iran and complicated the administration's war strategy.

Trump's repeated claims of victory contrast sharply with the actual military situation. The administration's obligations to allies, especially Saudi Arabia, add to the complexity of the situation. The U.S. has already expended significant resources against the Houthi militia without achieving a sustainable victory. The recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have put the administration in a difficult position, balancing its defense commitments with the need to avoid further escalation.