Analysis: U.S. Operations and Diplomacy in the Middle East

Between April 1 and 5, 2025, General Michael E. Kurilla, USCENTCOM Commander, conducted high-level visits to Israel, Jordan, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen

MIDDLE EAST — Recent statements from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and the U.S. State Department highlight a robust U.S. commitment to bolstering Middle East security through military and diplomatic channels.

Military Analysis: U.S. Strikes on Houthi Targets in Yemen

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Analysis: U.S. Military Operations Continue Targeting Houthi Positions

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Between April 1 and 5, 2025, General Michael E. Kurilla, USCENTCOM Commander, conducted high-level visits to Israel, Jordan, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, engaging with senior military and government leaders to strengthen partnerships and counter Houthi threats to critical waterways.

These discussions, involving figures such as Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir (Israel), Maj. Gen. Yousef Al-H'naity (Jordan), Lt. Gen. Jassim Al Mannai (Qatar), Sheik Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan (UAE), Gen. Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwayli (Saudi Arabia), and Lt. Gen. Sagheer Hamoud Ahmed Aziz (Yemen), underscored regional security, interoperability, and joint operational readiness.

The USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group remains deployed in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, targeting Houthi positions in Yemen from these maritime areas. Houthi sources reported at least two fatalities and 13 injuries from strikes on Hodeida, a strategic port housing an airport previously utilized for attacks on shipping lanes. These efforts reinforce the priority of safeguarding global trade routes.

Furthermore, financial and humanitarian measures amplify these military actions. Sanctions targeting a Houthi procurement network and the termination of World Food Program (WFP) funding in Yemen aim to disrupt adversarial capabilities.

Diplomatic initiatives, including Secretary Rubio’s planned April 9, 2025, meeting with the Saudi foreign minister, solidify U.S. alliances. This integrated strategy addresses both immediate security threats and long-term regional stability.

Key Points

• Focus of Efforts: U.S. military and diplomatic activities target Houthi disruptions in Yemen, supported by General Kurilla’s regional engagements

• Military Operations: Continuous strikes and USS Harry S. Truman missions, paired with sanctions, counter Houthi threats

• Security Outcomes: Enhanced regional security emerges from military and financial measures across six Middle Eastern nations.

Context and Background