Houthis seize Yemen highlands as Trump reportedly halts strikes

Houthi fighters advanced Monday to seize strategic heights in Yemen's highlands, aiming to cut off the Red Sea coast from Saudi-backed government areas, after a report said US President Donald Trump called off American strikes on the group at the last minute. The Iran-backed group's lightning advance this month has extended the Middle East conflict and threatened global energy supplies. The New York Times reported Trump prepared airstrikes Sunday following Saudi pleas but cancelled them as troops loaded bombs, though Reuters could not verify this. Nearly 700 people have been killed, according to the UN. The Houthis, controlling Yemen's capital since 2014, seek the Kahboub Mountains in Taiz and Lahij provinces. Saudi Arabia has launched hundreds of strikes, while Trump faces pressure to aid allies without expanding his February war against Iran. Saudi oil exports through Hormuz have surged to 2.9 million barrels daily.