A senior Houthi official said Washington reached out after the group's advance to Bab el-Mandeb, as US media reported Trump cancelled planned strikes at the last minute after a call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Houthi Red Sea coast offensive has placed another vital shipping route at risk as the Hormuz blockade disrupts trade and energy supplies. Qatar said closing the Red Sea gateway would worsen the crisis and has called for a diplomatic solution.
The Hanish archipelago fell after hundreds of government-allied forces withdrew, adding to Houthi control of Mokha and Perim Island. More than 80,000 people have been displaced in two weeks of fighting, as the internationally recognised government vows to regroup.