Trump Did Not Pledge Military Support to Yemen in Call With President, Sources Say

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi on Sunday as concern grows over the recent advances of the Iran-backed Houthi movement around the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s key maritime routes.

According to four people familiar with the conversation cited by Reuters, Alimi asked the United States to support his Saudi-backed government in its fight against the Houthis.

However, two of the sources — one Yemeni and one Western — said Trump did not make a direct pledge of U.S. military support during the call.

The development comes as the Houthis have made significant gains in areas near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The waterway is strategically important because it connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and serves as a major route for international shipping.

Yemen Seeks U.S. Backing

Alimi’s government has been seeking support as it faces renewed pressure from the Houthi movement. The Houthis have expanded their presence in areas close to the strategically important waterway during a rapid offensive this month.

The request for American assistance comes amid broader regional tensions involving Iran, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the United States.

Despite the request, the Reuters sources said Trump stopped short of committing American forces or other direct military assistance to Yemen during Sunday’s conversation.

The White House and Yemen’s information minister did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.

Trump and the Houthis

Trump has previously said that Washington remains in contact with the Houthis. He has also said the group assured the United States that it would not target American shipping.

The United States has designated the Houthis as a terrorist organization.

At the same time, Trump has not agreed to Saudi requests for direct American military support against the Houthis, according to previous Reuters reporting.

That position leaves questions about how Washington will respond if the Houthi advance continues to threaten the security of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait or international shipping.

A Strategic Waterway

The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is considered strategically important to global trade. Any prolonged instability in the area could raise concerns about shipping security and the movement of goods through the Red Sea.

For Yemen’s government, the lack of a direct U.S. military commitment could increase pressure to seek support from regional partners while confronting the Houthi advance.

For Washington, the situation presents a delicate balance between protecting international shipping interests and avoiding a deeper military involvement in Yemen.

For now, according to the Reuters sources, Trump’s conversation with Alimi produced no direct U.S. pledge of military support against the Houthis.

This article is based on reporting by Reuters and has been independently rewritten for clarity and presentation.