US concerned about "Houthi"s latest attempt to escalate the war in Yemen" by attacking commercial vessel Washington: The United States on Wednesday called on Houthi militants to stop escalating the conflict in Yemen and demonstrate a commitment to dialogue, a day after an attack on a Saudi Arabian oil tanker by the Iranian-backed group. “The United States is very concerned about the Houthis’ latest attempt to escalate the war in Yemen, this time by attacking a commercial vessel while it transited one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, the Bab Al-Mandab, in international waters,” the White House said in a statement. The US added that the Houthi militants openly threaten interrnational maritime and commercial navigation. The White House statement also criticized Iran for its support of the Houthi militia, saying the Iranian regime is trying to prolong the war in Yemen by arming the rebel group.