US Officials Hold Secret Talks With Houthi Representatives in Oman

U.S. officials met with senior Houthi representatives in Muscat, Oman, over the weekend, according to a Reuters report. The clandestine meeting, facilitated by the Omani government, took place at the U.S. Embassy and included embassy staff and Houthi delegates, notably including Mohammed Abd al-Salam, a senior Houthi official residing in Muscat and subject to U.S. sanctions.

During the discussions, the Houthi representatives reportedly assured the U.S. that they have no intention of attacking American vessels and are committed to the ceasefire agreement reached with Washington in 2025. Sources indicated that the Houthis also pledged not to target Israeli ships or other commercial vessels, with the exception of those belonging to Saudi Arabia.

The meeting occurred against the backdrop of significant Houthi advances in Yemen. Last week, the group effectively seized control of the entire Yemeni Red Sea coastline, including the port of Mokha and Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a strategic chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

In response to these developments, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump last week, requesting American military assistance against the Houthi advances. However, Reuters reported that Trump informed bin Salman that the U.S. does not intend to intervene directly in the conflict. Trump himself stated on Saturday that the Houthis had approached his administration seeking U.S. non-involvement in the campaign, with Vice President J.D. Vance confirming direct communication between the parties.