US President Trump and Yemeni President al-Alimi discuss Houthi advances in phone call

On September 21, 2026, US President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi to discuss the recent advances of the Iran-backed Houthis around the Bab al-Mandeb strait. Alimi requested US support for his Saudi-backed government, but Trump made no direct pledge of military support. The US has designated the Houthis as a terrorist organization and has been in contact with them, with the group saying it will not target US shipping. The White House and Yemen's information minister did not immediately respond to requests for comment.