Bombs were loaded, targets were set, then Trump changed his mind. Behind America’s U-turn on Houthi strikes

US President Donald Trump ordered preparations for airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged US military intervention, but later put the strikes on hold. According to The New York Times, US military preparations had advanced significantly, with target lists approved and warplanes being loaded with weapons, before Trump reversed the decision on Sunday.