Trump Withholds Military Support Pledge in Call With Yemeni President, Sources Say

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi on Sunday but made no direct pledge of military support against advancing Houthi forces, according to four people familiar with the conversation. The call centered on the Iran-backed group's recent offensive near the strategically critical Bab al-Mandeb strait, a vital chokepoint for global maritime trade.

Details of the Discussion

President al-Alimi formally requested U.S. support for his Saudi-backed government in its conflict with the Houthis, the sources said. The request followed a rapid offensive this month that saw Houthi forces capture key territory along the strait.

However, two of the sources—one Yemeni and one Western—confirmed that President Trump did not commit to providing direct military aid during the call. As of Monday, the White House and Yemen’s information minister had not responded to requests for comment on the matter, according to Reuters, which first reported the details.

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Geopolitical and Market Context

The Bab al-Mandeb strait is a crucial artery for international commerce, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Instability or conflict in this area can have significant implications for global supply chains and energy markets by threatening the passage of oil tankers and cargo ships.

The U.S. has officially designated the Houthis as a terrorist organization. Despite this, President Trump has stated publicly that the U.S. is in contact with the group, which has reportedly assured Washington it will not target American shipping interests. This recent call underscores a pattern of U.S. caution, as Trump has also previously rebuffed Saudi requests for military support against the Houthis, Reuters has reported.