United Nations: US President Donald Trump is facing a busy diplomatic agenda at the United Nations on Tuesday as the war in Ukraine continues and fighting in Yemen raises fresh concerns about regional security and international shipping.
Trump is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly and hold meetings with several foreign leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Greenland Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Venezuela's interim leader Delcy Rodriguez.
He is also expected to meet representatives from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. The meetings come as conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East continue to affect energy supplies, security and international trade.
Trump's meeting with Zelenskiy is expected to focus on the war in Ukraine and efforts to move towards a peace agreement. Zelenskiy has confirmed that the two leaders agreed to meet in New York.
Zelenskiy is also expected to discuss a possible agreement to stop attacks on energy infrastructure. Trump has said Russia and Ukraine agreed not to target energy facilities, but attacks on energy infrastructure have continued, leaving the proposed arrangement unresolved.
The Yemen conflict is another major issue surrounding Trump's UN meetings.
Houthi forces have expanded their control in Yemen in recent weeks and are pushing towards strategic high ground near the country's Red Sea coast. Their advance has increased concerns about the security of the Bab el Mandeb Strait, an important route linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean.
The Houthis have captured the port city of Mokha and important Red Sea islands. They are also seeking control of strategic positions in Taiz and Lahij provinces, including areas around the Kahboub Mountains and Al Wazi'iyah.
Control of these positions could strengthen the Houthis' position between the Red Sea coast and territory held by forces backed by Saudi Arabia.
The developments have increased pressure on Saudi Arabia, which has faced missile and drone attacks from the Houthis. An attack targeting Riyadh on Saturday was intercepted, according to reports.
Saudi Arabia has asked several international partners for military assistance as it seeks to protect its territory and vital energy infrastructure.
Britain has agreed to provide limited defensive military support. Burnham said the Royal Air Force would provide air to air refuelling for Saudi aircraft involved in defensive missions. The operation is expected to begin in the coming days and will initially be limited in duration.
The British support is intended to help Saudi Arabia respond to Houthi attacks and strengthen its defensive capabilities.
France is also ready to contribute to the protection of Saudi energy infrastructure, according to a French diplomatic source.
The United States, however, has not committed to direct military action against the Houthis.
Trump spoke by phone on Sunday with Rashad al Alimi, president of Yemen's internationally recognised government, which is fighting the Houthis. Alimi requested US military support, but people familiar with the conversation said Trump did not make a direct commitment during the call.
There is also an unresolved report about possible US airstrikes against the Houthis.
The uncertainty over possible US military action comes as Washington faces pressure from Saudi Arabia and other regional partners to respond to the Houthi advance.
The Group of Seven foreign ministers have also called for an end to the escalation. They called on Iran to stop providing weapons and support to the Houthis and urged the group to end attacks and threats against civilian shipping.
The G7 also called for a return to the political process in Yemen.
The concern extends beyond Yemen and Saudi Arabia because of the importance of the Bab el Mandeb Strait. About 12 percent of global trade normally passes through the waterway, making its security important to international shipping and the global economy.
Any prolonged disruption could affect shipping routes, energy supplies and transport costs at a time when oil markets are already under pressure from the wider conflict involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.
The Yemen fighting has therefore become an important part of the international security discussions surrounding Trump's meetings at the United Nations.
Trump's UN schedule brings together several difficult diplomatic issues at the same time. The war in Ukraine remains unresolved, the conflict involving Iran continues to affect the Middle East, and the Houthi advance has created additional pressure on Saudi Arabia and other countries concerned about regional security and international shipping.
His meetings with Zelenskiy and Gulf representatives are expected to focus on the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, regional security and the impact of the conflicts on energy supplies and international trade.