Trump, in call with Yemen President, did not pledge military support against Houthis, say sources

U.S. President Donald ‌Trump spoke by phone with ​Yemeni President Rashad ⁠al-Alimi on Sunday (September 20, 2026), four people familiar with the matter said, discussing the ‌advances of the Iran-backed Houthis around a vital ‌global waterway.

Mr. Alimi requested ‌U.S. ⁠support for his Saudi-backed ⁠government in its fight against the Houthis, who this month took key ​areas along the ‌Bab al-Mandeb strait in a lightning offensive.

Two of the sources, one Yemeni and ‌one Western, said Mr. Trump had ​made no direct pledge of military support ⁠during the call.

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