U.S. officials met representatives of Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement in Oman over the weekend, according to five sources familiar with the talks, as tensions rise around one of the world’s most important shipping routes.
The previously undisclosed meeting came just days after Houthi forces made major territorial gains along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
Secret Talks Held in Muscat
According to Reuters, three sources said the meeting was held at the U.S. Embassy in Muscat, Oman. Two sources said the Omani government, which has frequently acted as a regional mediator, helped organize the talks.
One source said the meeting took place on Sunday.
The U.S. side was represented by embassy personnel, according to two people familiar with the talks.
Senior Houthi official Mohammad Abdulsalam, who is under U.S. sanctions, was reportedly among the Houthi representatives. Another senior official, Abdelmalik al-Ajiri, was also reported to have attended.
The U.S. State Department did not publicly confirm that the meeting took place.
Houthis Say American Ships Will Not Be Targeted
During the talks, Houthi representatives told U.S. officials that they had no intention of attacking American vessels and remained committed to their 2025 ceasefire agreement with Washington, according to sources cited by Reuters.
One source also said the Houthis indicated they would not target Israeli or other commercial vessels, with the exception of ships belonging to Saudi Arabia.
The reported assurances come at a critical moment for shipping security in the Red Sea.
Major Houthi Advance Changes the Situation
The talks followed a significant Houthi military advance in Yemen.
Houthi forces have gained effective control over Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, including the historic port of Mocha and Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Bab el-Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is a strategically important route for international shipping and energy supplies.
Any major disruption in the area could have consequences far beyond Yemen, affecting shipping routes, oil markets and global trade.
Washington Faces a Difficult Decision
The United States designated the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in March 2025.
Despite that designation, Washington has maintained channels of communication with the group.
The two sides reached a ceasefire in May 2025 following a U.S. bombing campaign aimed at stopping Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping.
Vice President JD Vance said earlier this week that Washington was in direct contact with the Houthis, although he did not provide details about the discussions.
Saudi Arabia Seeks U.S. Support
The developments are also increasing pressure on Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently sought U.S. military assistance as Houthi forces advanced, according to Reuters reporting.
Washington has so far declined to become directly involved militarily against the Houthis on Saudi Arabia’s behalf, while offering intelligence-sharing and targeting assistance.
The latest developments leave the United States balancing several priorities: protecting international shipping, avoiding another major military confrontation and managing relations with Saudi Arabia while tensions with Iran and its regional allies remain high.
What Happens Next?
The reported Oman talks could become an important diplomatic channel if both Washington and the Houthis continue to honor their existing ceasefire.
However, the rapidly changing situation in Yemen and continuing tensions between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia mean the risk of further escalation remains.
With Houthi forces now positioned near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, developments in Yemen will be closely watched by Washington, regional governments, shipping companies and global energy markets.
USA Pulse will continue following developments in Yemen and the Red Sea as more information becomes available.