President Donald Trump recently made a surprise announcement declaring the end of the U.S. military campaign against the Houthi terrorist organization in Yemen—claiming victory. But according to a New York Times report, the truth behind the decision was far more complicated.
After about 30 days of heavy aerial strikes and massive financial investment, the Houthis continued launching missiles and maritime attacks. Trump, who had long expressed opposition to prolonged military entanglements in the Middle East, decided to avoid a drawn-out and costly confrontation—and ordered an immediate halt to offensive operations.
High Cost, Disappointing Results
Throughout the operation, the U.S. suffered significant material losses. Two F/A-18 Super Hornets, each valued at $67 million, were lost at sea due to an accident. Additionally, the Houthis also managed to shoot down multiple MQ-9 Reaper drones and damaged U.S. naval vessels in the Red Sea. Altogether, the estimated cost of the first month of the operation was $1 billion.
Sources in the administration say Trump—frustrated by the lack of quick results—realized the campaign could drag on for months and potentially divert resources from more strategic theaters, such as the Asia-Pacific. Facing pressure from CENTCOM and White House advisors, Trump chose to suspend the attacks.
Nuclear Talks With Iran Played a Key Role
During the fighting, U.S. officials were engaged in nuclear negotiations with Iran via Omani mediation. As part of the talks, Omani intermediaries proposed a de-escalation deal: The U.S. would stop bombing Yemen in exchange for a halt to Houthi attacks on U.S. ships. Wary of another military quagmire, Trump accepted the proposal and even praised the “courage” of the Houthis—despite previously pledging their total defeat.
