Trump denies plans to strike the Houthis: ‘They’ve agreed not to fight the United States’

U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday dismissed reports that the United States was preparing strikes against the Houthis in Yemen, declaring that the Yemeni group has agreed not to fight the U.S. The statement came after reports circulated on Saturday evening that Trump was considering strikes against the group, and that his sudden return from Camp David was linked to a possible operation.

According to Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst, Trump said on Sunday morning that communication with the Houthis has always been open and that there is mutual understanding between the sides. “The president said the United States is in constant communication with the Houthis and that they have agreed not to fight the United States,” Yingst said.

Trump stressed that his real focus is Iran, saying he is entering a “decisive phase” regarding the nearly seven-month war. “The president says he is in the decisive phase regarding Iran and that some big things will happen in the not-too-distant future,” Yingst quoted, adding that Trump asked Tehran to “behave well”.

The options on the table, according to the president, remain three: the complete destruction of Iran, letting it “rot economically”, or a deal. “My question is: if and when I blow up the whole nation? They better behave well,” Trump is quoted as saying.

Source: Washington Examiner