US President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi about strategic advances by the Tehran-backed Houthis near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint. Al-Alimi sought support for Yemen’s Saudi-supported government, but sources said Trump did not commit directly to military assistance. The exchange underscores continuing regional tensions and raises questions about international shipping, regional stability and the prospects for imminent US-Iran peace talks. Prediction-market pricing suggests that the absence of a direct US military commitment could reduce the likelihood of near-term talks, although that outlook remains uncertain. Observers will watch for statements from the White House or Pentagon, as well as responses from Saudi Arabia and Iran and any further diplomatic developments.