U.S. Dubious About U.A.E. Appeal for Military Help in Port Fight

World leaders try to safeguard new peace push by United Nations

WASHINGTON—The U.S. is unlikely to embrace an appeal from the United Arab Emirates for U.S. military help in seizing a key Yemeni port from Iran-backed fighters, as world leaders try to safeguard a new peace push by the United Nations, according to people familiar with the discussions.

In a series of meetings this week, Trump administration officials voiced strong reservations about the UAE’s efforts to take control of Hodeidah, according to people familiar with the matter. Hodeidah is the Red Sea port that serves as Yemen’s...