function of balancing and probably reemphasizing some languages and some cultures as we move from a centcom centric environment to a more globally balanced environment over time. >> thank you. from time to time, there are reports of iranian support to the huthies in northern yemen. given the ongoing search by al qaeda in the arabian peninsula the matter of iran's involvement in yemen has been getting less press. general mattis, can you update me on iran's activities in north yemen? and are they continuing to provide material support to the huthies. >> they are providing material support. compared to last year at this time they're providing more to include weapons. not just money. but interestingly, they are also trying to influence now the non-huthie tribes and invite their political leadership to tehran on expense paid vacations, basically, to meet with certain leaders there. it's very interesting what you and i have seen over years with huthies is now expanding in yemen. frankly, i think tehran sees a lebanese hezbollah kind of mental model for where they want to go down there. >> have the saudis