{
  "id": 8875898,
  "title": "Bombs loaded but Trump pulled the Houthi plug",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/bombs-loaded-but-trump-pulled-the-houthi-plug",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-21T07:44:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Economic Times",
    "slug": "the-economic-times",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/bombs-were-loaded-targets-were-set-then-trump-changed-his-mind-behind-americas-u-turn-on-houthi-strikes/articleshow/134383433.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "U.S. President Donald Trump was poised to launch airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, following Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's (MBS) urging. However, Trump unexpectedly halted the operation before it began. The New York Times reported that Trump had deliberated over the intervention for nearly two weeks. Initially, he was indecisive, but after MBS's persistent appeals for U.S. military assistance, Trump changed his stance and authorized the Pentagon to prepare for the strikes. Preparations for the attacks were nearing completion when Trump abruptly changed his mind yet again, and the strikes were put on hold. The White House declined to comment on Trump's decision-making process, but a senior administration official stated that the U.S. has a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and would defend its allies. The sudden reversal underscored the broader challenge for Trump as the Houthi threat has intensified, particularly against Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia had previously blocked a U.S. plan to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz and is now facing attacks from the Houthis near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial maritime chokepoint. Trump's hesitation over the larger Iran war remained unresolved, with the president stating he was still \"deciding.\"",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}