Trump and Yemeni President Discuss Houthis but No Military Aid Pledged

US President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi on Sunday to discuss Houthi advances near the Bab al-Mandeb strait, but did not pledge military support, according to four sources familiar with the matter. Alimi requested US assistance for his Saudi-backed government against the Iran-backed Houthis, who recently seized key areas along the vital global waterway in a rapid offensive. Two sources, one Yemeni and one Western, said Trump made no direct commitment of military aid during the call. The White House and Yemen's information minister did not respond to requests for comment. Trump has publicly stated the US is in contact with the Houthis, who have said they will not target American shipping, and has previously rebuffed Saudi requests for military support against the group.