US Officials Held Secret Talks With Houthis in Oman, Sources Say
US and Houthi officials held secret talks in Oman, where the group reportedly pledged to halt attacks on US and Israeli shipping, following a regional escalation involving Saudi Arabia.
US Officials Meet Houthi Representatives in Oman
US representatives met with Houthi officials in Oman over the weekend, according to five sources familiar with the details. The meeting took place at the US Embassy in Muscat, with the assistance of the Omani government.
During the talks, the Houthi delegation stated they have no intention of attacking US vessels and remain committed to a ceasefire reached with the United States in 2025. A Yemeni source reported that the Houthis also pledged not to target Israeli ships or other commercial vessels, with the exception of Saudi ships.
"We held also direct talks with the Houthis themselves," US Vice President JD Vance stated on Monday.
Escalation and Regional Diplomacy
The secret meeting preceded Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's request for US military assistance against the Houthis. President Donald Trump declined direct US military involvement, offering intelligence support instead.
The US State Department has not officially confirmed the meeting, reiterating that maintaining freedom of navigation in the Red Sea remains a core national interest.
