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Pentagon officials’ heated debates foreshadowed problems in Iran
Yahoo • • world
Key Points:
- In early 2024, Pentagon officials clashed over military responses to Houthi attacks in Yemen, with Gen. Kurilla advocating for immediate strikes while others, including Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Brown, urged caution and further assessment.
- Operation Rough Rider, a 51-day U.S. bombing campaign against the Houthis launched in March 2025, targeted over 1,000 sites but faced criticism for unclear objectives, civilian casualties, and operational security breaches.
- The campaign ended abruptly in May 2025 with an Oman-brokered ceasefire, which President Trump hailed as a victory despite warnings from officials that the Houthis remained resilient and the conflict unresolved.
- The Houthis have since regained strength, launching new offensives and attacks on Saudi infrastructure, highlighting ongoing regional instability and concerns over U.S. strategic disengagement.
- Analysts and officials warn that the Houthis remain a significant threat aligned with Iran, with ambitions extending beyond Yemen, and caution that the U.S. may have underestimated the group's long-term impact.
