HONOLULU—The Obama administration is trying to leverage Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh's request to come to the U.S. for medical treatment into a way to accelerate a government transition in San'a.

The administration is seeking assurances from Mr. Saleh that in exchange for allowing him to receive treatment at an American hospital for injuries he sustained in an attack on his presidential compound in June, he would make good on his pledge to facilitate a smooth transfer of power, officials said.

U.S....