{
  "id": 8969565,
  "title": "Trump calls off planned US strikes on Houthis at last minute after Saudi plea - report",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/trump-calls-off-planned-us-strikes-on-houthis-at-last-minute-after",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-21T17:50:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/international/article-909202"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a dramatic last-minute decision, US President Donald Trump canceled planned military strikes against the Houthis in Yemen, according to The New York Times. The decision came after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman repeatedly appealed to Trump for US intervention against the Iran-backed Houthis. The conflict had escalated, placing pressure on Saudi Arabia and increasing tensions in the region. After weighing the requests from Saudi Arabia, Trump was initially inclined to authorize the strikes but later changed his mind as the operation was about to commence, according to administration officials. The strikes were halted at a late stage, with military commanders already approving target lists, troops loading bombs, and the first wave of attacks nearing execution. The decision exposed a dilemma for the administration, as most of Trump's inner circle were skeptical of joining Saudi Arabia's fight against the Houthis, citing the additional strain on US forces. However, the US still relied on Saudi cooperation in its broader regional strategy, and the Houthis' territorial gains in Yemen threatened Saudi interests. Despite Trump's statement that Washington was in direct communication with the Houthis and they agreed not to attack American forces, the potential US intervention had implications for US relations with the group and the ongoing war with Iran. The situation remains unresolved as the Houthis continue advancing in Yemen.",
  "summary": "The New York Times reported that target lists had already been approved and bombs were being loaded onto US warplanes after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged Trump to intervene",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 9,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Investing.com",
        "title": "Houthis push for control of Yemen highlands as Trump reported to have called off airstrikes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/houthis-push-for-control-of-yemen-highlands-as-trump-reported-to-have",
        "published": "2026-09-21T11:12:40.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Trump reverses course on strikes against Houthis",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/trump-reverses-course-on-strikes-against-houthis",
        "published": "2026-09-21T11:43:36.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Al-Monitor",
        "title": "Houthis push for control of Yemen highlands as Trump reported to have called off airstrikes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/houthis-push-for-control-of-yemen-highlands-as-trump-reported-to-have-8912789",
        "published": "2026-09-21T11:46:30.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Houthis push for control of Yemen highlands as Trump reported to have called off airstrikes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/houthis-push-for-control-of-yemen-highlands-as-trump-reported-to-have-8912708",
        "published": "2026-09-21T11:49:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The New York Times",
        "title": "Why the Iran-Backed Houthis in Yemen and Saudi Arabia Are Back at War",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/why-the-iran-backed-houthis-in-yemen-and-saudi-arabia-are-back-at-war",
        "published": "2026-09-21T15:28:27.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Times of Israel",
        "title": "Houthis push for control of Yemen highlands as Trump reported to have called off airstrikes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/houthis-push-for-control-of-yemen-highlands-as-trump-reported-to-have-8957744",
        "published": "2026-09-21T16:28:33.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Times",
        "title": "Trump cancels planned US strikes against Houthis",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/trump-cancels-planned-us-strikes-against-houthis",
        "published": "2026-09-21T16:30:49.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Arutz Sheva - Israel National News",
        "title": "Report: Trump halted strike against Houthis",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/report-trump-halted-strike-against-houthis",
        "published": "2026-09-21T16:33:01.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}