U.S. media reported today: "Over this weekend, Saudi Arabia came close to dragging the United States into a new conflict. Just as bombs were being loaded onto aircraft, Trump abruptly halted the operation."
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called Trump on Thursday, urging the U.S. to strike against Houthi forces. In response, Trump directed the Pentagon to prepare for military operations. However, by yesterday, the strike plan had been suspended—effectively put on hold for now. Since the ceasefire agreement last year, the Houthis have not attacked any American vessel. With this group no longer targeting U.S. interests, what justification exists for launching a preemptive war?
The crux of the matter lies in Trump’s reliance on Saudi Arabia regarding Iran-related matters. Earlier this year, in May, Saudi Arabia had refused U.S. military access to its bases due to unmet demands. Should Trump approve the strikes, Red Sea tensions would likely escalate once again. Conversely, if he declines Saudi requests, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman could make U.S. efforts against Iran significantly more difficult.
Commentary: Saudi Arabia has long aligned with the Yemeni government and remained hostile toward the Houthis, driving its persistent push for U.S. military intervention aimed at eliminating the opposition. Yet, given that the Houthis have ceased attacks on American ships, initiating hostilities now would effectively mean the U.S. fighting a war on Saudi Arabia’s behalf. The swift reversal underscores a calculation grounded in strategic self-interest: complying with Saudi demands risks reigniting conflict in the Red Sea, potentially expanding the ongoing Yemeni crisis—a development that would add a new front to U.S. involvement already deepened by tensions with Iran. This episode reveals the delicate balance within U.S. alliances in the region, where allies’ internal grievances can exert pressure on American military decisions. Trump faces the challenge of reconciling alliance obligations with domestic military burden, while the intricate sectarian divisions across the Middle East continue to heighten the risk of further escalation.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876920872268809/
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