The Trump administration is weighing plans to expand the U.S. military presence in the Middle East as operations against Yemen’s Houthis intensify, Al Arabiya English reported, citing American officials.

Over the past few weeks, U.S. forces have ramped up precision airstrikes targeting Houthi infrastructure and leadership across Yemen, signaling a stark shift from the previous administration's approach.

As daily strikes persist, the Pentagon is preparing to send additional personnel and air defense systems, with the aim of weakening the Iran-backed group and deterring further attacks on international shipping routes in the Red Sea. Officials anticipate that the campaign will continue until the Houthis halt their aggression.

Since the offensive began last weekend, U.S. forces have conducted over 50 strikes, hitting key military sites, including drone launch facilities and weapons depots. American officials assert that these actions have dealt significant blows to the Houthis' operational capabilities.

“The approach under the Trump Administration indicates a willingness to expand the target set and the geography of military strikes,” said Dana Stroul, former top Pentagon official for the Middle East during the Biden administration.

Under Biden, military actions were largely confined to strategic sites such as weapons storage facilities and radar stations. In contrast, recent operations have broadened to include the residences of senior Houthi figures and officials linked to the group's drone program.

Stroul also highlighted the reimposition of the Houthis' Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) designation, arguing that this move could further isolate Yemen from the global financial system and curtail commercial engagement, adding another layer of pressure on the group.

Another key shift lies in the delegation of decision-making authority. During Biden's tenure, strike approval required higher-level clearance, often slowing response times. Now, military commanders on the ground have greater autonomy to select targets and launch attacks when opportunities arise. Stroul suggested that this agility enables the U.S. to transition from sporadic retaliatory actions to a sustained military campaign. However, she warned that careful target selection remains essential to minimizing civilian casualties.

The Trump administration has also taken a firmer stance against Iran, accusing Tehran of equipping the Houthis with weapons, intelligence, and training.

"Importantly, the Trump administration has prioritized the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce," noted Gen. Joseph Votel, former commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), told Al Arabiya English. 

In line with these priorities, U.S. and Israeli officials are set to meet in Washington next week to discuss Iran's nuclear program and its support for proxy groups across the region. While military officials defend the need for forceful measures to curb Houthi aggression, some experts warn that prolonged operations could place further strain on U.S. weapons stockpiles.

“We have certainly increased manufacturing capacity, but the demand for munitions remains very high. The Department of Defense will need to pay close attention to this topic,” Votel added.

Despite concerns about resource allocation, the Pentagon maintains that the mission's focus is not on regime change but on safeguarding U.S. interests.

“There is a very clear end state to this operation, and that begins the moment that the Houthis pledge to stop attacking our ships and putting American lives at risk,” Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell stated during a recent briefing.

As the U.S. presses forward with its intensified military campaign, questions linger about the operation's duration and whether the Houthis will yield to mounting pressure. Both Stroul and Votel underscored the need for a comprehensive strategy, cautioning that military action alone cannot guarantee long-term stability.

“No campaign ends with only combat operations,” Stroul concluded, underscoring the importance of a broader plan to secure lasting peace in the region.