US Mediates Talks Between Houthis and Diplomats in Oman

U.S. officials held direct talks with representatives of the Houthi movement in Oman on September 13, Reuters reported, citing five sources. The meeting occurred days after an escalation of Houthi actions in the Red Sea, where the Iran-backed group controls the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. During the talks in Muscat, the Houthis reportedly assured U.S. representatives that they would adhere to a 2025 ceasefire agreement and refrain from attacking American vessels. However, they stated they would target Saudi ships. One source added that "Israeli and any other merchant ships" would not be attacked, with the exception of Saudi ones. No official confirmation of the meeting was released. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance acknowledged on September 14 that the administration was in "direct contact" with the Houthis but offered no specifics. The U.S. delegation included staff from the U.S. Embassy in Oman, while the Houthi negotiator was identified as Abed es-Salam, who is under U.S. sanctions.

Despite the U.S. designating the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization in March 2025, leading to criminal penalties for supporting the group, Washington has maintained dialogue. A ceasefire agreement was reached in May 2025 to curb Red Sea attacks, though the Houthis continued targeting vessels while avoiding U.S. tankers and cargo ships. The recent escalation between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia has prompted questions about potential international intervention. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly sought assistance from then-President Donald Trump, who declined to get involved in another regional crisis, focusing instead on the Strait of Hormuz. The Saudi Crown Prince subsequently met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo on September 15, where both leaders emphasized the importance of maritime security in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea. Egypt expressed support for Saudi Arabia's security measures and efforts toward a political solution in Yemen.

Reports also indicate that the Saudi Crown Prince sought help from Israel. On September 15, diplomatic sources suggested Israel might be providing intelligence support to Saudi Arabia via the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) amidst the heightened tensions with the Houthis, though not operational assistance. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and the Houthis are engaged in a war of words over an alleged drone attack on Mecca on September 15. Saudi officials reported intercepting a Houthi drone near the holy city, calling it a "red line," while the Houthis denied targeting Mecca, which is over 1100 km from the Yemeni border. On September 16, the Houthis claimed to have intercepted an F-15 fighter jet belonging to the Saudi-led coalition, but provided no evidence.