By Humeyra Pamuk, Simon Lewis and Matt SpetalnickWASHINGTON, Sept 12 (Reuters) - A lightning offensive by the Iran-aligned Houthis has put the militants in a position to control a crucial Middle East waterway, creating a major new problem for U.S. President Donald Trump as his war with Iran grinds on in its seventh month.

The Houthis launched a large-scale offensive last week against Yemeni government forces backed by Saudi Arabia.

Houthi militants seized Yemen's Mocha port, threatening vital global energy supplies. This escalation occurs as Iran and the United States engage in tit-for-tat attacks. …

Military sources say Iran-aligned rebels’ move threatens Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key shipping route

The Houthi advance is bad news for the U.S., and even worse news for Saudi Arabia.

The TOI correspondent from Washington: Rapid advances by Iran-backed Houthis along Yemen's Red Sea coast is bringing the group dangerously close to controlling another key…