Iran has ordered the withdrawal of its military personnel from Yemen, effectively abandoning its Houthi allies amidst a relentless US air campaign, according to a senior Iranian official speaking to the Telegraph. 
 
The Iranian official revealed that the decision was driven by a desire to avoid direct confrontation with the US and the potential for Iranian casualties. This move coincides with a surge in US airstrikes targeting Houthi positions, which President Trump has publicly hailed as "unbelievably successful."
"Every meeting is dominated by discussions about [President] Trump and how to deal with him," the source disclosed. "None of the regional groups we previously supported are being discussed." This statement suggests a notable pivot in Iran's regional strategy, with a reduced emphasis on its network of proxy groups in favor of addressing the perceived direct threat from Washington.

The US air campaign, which has intensified following leaked communications among Trump administration officials, has reportedly inflicted substantial damage on Houthi military infrastructure and eliminated key commanders. The Pentagon has confirmed the deployment of additional military assets, including A-10 Thunderbolt II ground-attack aircraft, signaling a sustained US commitment to the operation.
Despite the relentless US bombardment, the Houthis have continued to assert their ability to target US warships in the Red Sea, including the USS Harry S. Truman. The US Navy acknowledged the intensity of Houthi fire, describing it as the heaviest its sailors have faced since World War II.
Analysts suggest that Iran's decision reflects a growing recognition of the Houthis' precarious position in the face of overwhelming US military power. "The view here is that the Houthis will not be able to survive and are living their final months or even days," the Iranian source stated, indicating a pessimistic assessment of the group's long-term viability.

The Trump administration's aggressive posture towards the Houthis is seen by some as a deliberate attempt to distinguish itself from the previous administration. Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House, argued that President Trump is attempting to project an image of decisive action. "Trump is trying to prove that he is more effective at ending and solving conflicts than the Biden administration was," she said.