The stakes become even higher when combined with ongoing disruption around the Strait of Hormuz. Together, the two waterways sit on crucial routes for global energy and trade.

US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper visited Saudi Arabia, while Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held two calls with President Trump and pressed Washington for greater military involvement, according to US officials.

Yemeni government officials said that Houthi fighters had completed their takeover of the Bab al-Mandeb area and Mayyun Island, also known as Perin. According to reports, the government forces withdrew from the area.