Houthi attack on Riyadh airport forces swift rethink of Trump’s new strategy

A missile attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has challenged President Donald Trump’s effort to keep the Iran and Yemen conflicts at a distance. The attack also raises pressure on him to reconsider his diplomatic and political approach ahead of next month’s midterm elections.

The United States has maintained a unilateral ceasefire with Yemen’s Houthis, renewing it after fighting with Saudi Arabia resumed in the summer. Trump has twice turned down Saudi requests for help. The strike may make it harder for him to refuse further calls to support the kingdom.

The article says the approach has also fueled European concerns about Trump’s ties with Russia, following congressional approval of sanctions targeting buyers of Russian energy. German education minister Karin Prien criticized the prospect of prioritizing diesel costs over broader principles.

Meanwhile, the Iran war has become a campaign issue, with Democratic candidates highlighting its effect on household finances. The article says Republicans are struggling to defend the conflict, adding to the political risks for Trump’s party.

Trump could end the ceasefire and resume attacks on the Houthis, or broaden military action to Iran, which backs them. Both choices risk costly escalation; a negotiated agreement is another possibility, though the article says it could face opposition in Washington and Israel.

The author argues that trying to set aside both conflicts while blaming Ukraine for fuel prices is no longer working. Trump may abandon that approach, or voters may reject it at the ballot box.