The White House’s National Security Council (NSC) is expected to make an imminent determination on whether to provide the Pentagon with a blank check to directly support the Saudi Arabia-led Arab coalition’s plan to capture the strategic Red Sea Hodeida seaport from the Iranian-backed “Ansar Allah” (led by the Houthis). Such US involvement, even if limited, means Yemen might become the first country under President Donald Trump’s Administration where Washington actively deters Tehran’s regional influence. In recent weeks, the Arab coalition has been closing in on the Houthis along Yemen’s western coast and waiting for the green light from Washington to cut their last seaport connection with the outside world. The looming US decision, when it is made, will have repercussions beyond Yemen, as it could potentially shape a new US policy across the Middle East. Here’s a link to my latest analysis on US policy in Yemen.