**Trump has repeatedly declined direct U.S. military strikes on Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen despite Saudi pressure and recent Houthi advances along the Red Sea coast and Bab al-Mandeb Strait.** In mid-to-late September 2026, the administration weighed airstrikes after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged intervention, with planning reportedly advancing to the point of loading munitions before Trump reversed course multiple times. Officials cited risks of opening a new front amid the ongoing Iran conflict that began in February, potential escalation, and the approach of November midterm elections. The administration has instead pursued limited measures such as sharing targeting data and maintaining Oman-mediated contacts with the Houthis, who have signaled they will not target U.S. shipping. No formal notification to Congress under the War Powers Resolution has occurred, and intervention remains off the table in the near term. These developments support trader consensus that invocation by October 31 is unlikely.