# Pentagon split on striking Yemen's Houthis

> Trump's military advisers clash over whether to help Saudi Arabia fight Iranian-backed rebels amid weapons shortages and regional tensions.
- Title: Pentagon split on striking Yemen's Houthis · NBC News
- Summary: Trump's military advisers clash over whether to help Saudi Arabia fight Iranian-backed rebels amid weapons shortages and regional tensions. U.S. military…
- Keywords: donald trump, houthis, saudi arabia, yemen, iran, pentagon, military strikes, middle east, defense department, weapons shortage, regional conflict, politics
- Source: NBC News — https://nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/us-military-leaders-divided-action-houthis-rcna599049
- Author: Courtney Kube
- Published: 2026-09-21T22:35:47.314+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: donald trump, houthis, saudi arabia, yemen, iran, pentagon, military strikes, middle east, defense department, weapons shortage, regional conflict, politics
## Saudi Arabia pushes Trump for action
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called Trump on Thursday saying the kingdom cannot succeed alone against Houthi rebels. The Saudis claim the Houthis shot down an F-15 fighter jet and are advancing toward Yemen's largest oil and gas fields.
## Pentagon leaders split on strikes
Some military officials oppose opening another regional front due to dwindling weapons supplies and because Houthis aren't attacking U.S. ships. Others argue the U.S. should help Saudi Arabia retaliate to maintain the alliance.
## Trump orders then cancels strikes
Trump ordered military strikes to begin around 5 p.m. Eastern time on Sunday but canceled the order shortly after 2 p.m. that same day. He has not ruled out military action in the future.
## Regional commander warns of risks
A senior U.S. military leader in the Middle East warned that strikes could create unmitigated risk to U.S. troops and the Iran war mission, including naval blockade and security operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
## Houthis escalate attacks on Saudi oil
Over the weekend, Houthis used missiles and drones to attack sensitive sites in Riyadh and an Aramco facility in Yanbu, a key oil export hub. They also took control of the Bab el Mandeb Strait, a critical shipping route.
## U.S. already supporting Saudi efforts
The U.S. has been sharing intelligence, helping with planning, sending military advisers, and providing logistical support to Saudi forces. But the Saudis have repeatedly asked for more, including direct help with strikes.
## Trump's ceasefire with Houthis at risk
Trump announced a ceasefire with the Houthis last year after weeks of strikes. Under the deal, the U.S. suspended military action and the Houthis stopped attacking U.S. ships. Trump recently said the Houthis prefer not having U.S. involvement.

> The Houthis called us, and they don't want to fight with us.
## Weapons shortage complicates decisions
The Pentagon faces dwindling supplies of defensive and long-range weaponry, a key concern for military leaders opposing new strikes. This shortage is limiting options as Trump weighs escalating the war with Iran.
## Trump faces bind on Iran war
Trump began the war with Iran but has struggled to end it. He remains locked in conflict while facing weapons shortages and pressure from Saudi Arabia. He recently said he's deciding whether to escalate the war further.
## Key takeaway

U.S. military leaders are divided on escalating involvement in Yemen, with some warning it could overstretch forces already committed to the Iran war.