US Holds Secret Talks With Houthis in Oman on Red Sea Attacks

The United States held a secret meeting with representatives of the Houthi movement in Oman to discuss an end to attacks on shipping, according to sources cited by The Times of Israel. The talks took place at the U.S. Embassy in Muscat.

Omani officials reportedly facilitated the negotiations, which occurred days after a significant Houthi offensive in Yemen resulted in the group seizing control of strategic areas along the Red Sea coast, including the port of Mocha and Perim Island near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

During the meeting, Houthi representatives allegedly informed the U.S. delegation that they do not intend to attack American vessels and will adhere to a ceasefire. Sources also claim the group stated they would refrain from attacking Israeli and other commercial ships, with the exception of vessels linked to Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. delegation reportedly consisted of embassy staff, while high-ranking Houthi officials, including Mohammed Abdulssalam and Abdelmalik al-Ajri, were allegedly present. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that the Houthis had approached the administration seeking non-interference in Yemen, and Vice President J.D. Vance confirmed direct contact.

The U.S. State Department declined to confirm the meeting, stating that Washington's priorities include ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and preventing the spread of terrorism from the Middle East. Officials from Oman and the Houthis have not yet publicly commented on the reported talks.