US President Donald Trump expressed optimism following a productive phone conversation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, focusing on pressing regional issues such as Gaza and Yemen. While details were sparse, Trump mentioned military preparedness and possible strategies for Gaza among the topics covered. Egypt, which shares a border with Gaza, has put forward its own plan focused on reconstruction, although the US has expressed disappointment with it. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has also seen Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacking Red Sea shipping lanes in an apparent show of solidarity with Palestinians. These actions have disrupted vital trade routes, prompting US military strikes against the Houthis to protect maritime traffic.