Trump holds phone call with Yemen’s president, focus on Houthi rebel gains in the Bab al-Mandeb strait

US President Donald Trump held a phone call with his counterpart in Yemen, Rashad al-Alimi. During the call they reportedly discussed the advance of Iran-backed Houthi rebels around a vital global waterway.

Alimi sought US support for his Saudi-backed government in its war against the Houthis, who this month seized key areas along the Bab al-Mandeb strait in a swift offensive.

Two sources told Reuters that Trump made no direct promise of military support during the call.

Trump has said publicly that the US is in contact with the Houthis and that the group has said it will not target American ships. The US has designated the Houthis as a terrorist organization.

Trump has also rejected Saudi requests for military support against the Houthis.