MUSCAT: U.S. officials held a secret meeting with representatives of Yemen’s Houthis in Muscat, Oman, over the weekend, according to five sources cited by Reuters.
The meeting took place at the U.S. Embassy in Muscat. Three sources confirmed the location to Reuters. Two sources said the Omani government helped arrange the talks.
Houthis Pledge Not to Attack US Ships
During the meeting, Houthi representatives told U.S. officials that they would not attack American vessels.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to the 2025 ceasefire with the United States, according to two sources cited by Reuters.
One Yemeni source said the Houthis also pledged not to attack Israeli ships or commercial vessels, except those belonging to Saudi Arabia.
Senior Houthi Figures Attend Talks
The Houthi delegation included senior figures, according to Reuters.
Sources said Mohammad Abdulsalam, a senior Houthi official based in Muscat and under U.S. sanctions, attended the meeting. Another senior Houthi official, Abdelmalik al-Ajiri, also took part, according to one source.
The U.S. delegation included personnel from the American embassy, according to two sources.
The U.S. State Department did not confirm that the meeting took place. However, a spokesperson said freedom of navigation in the Red Sea remains a core U.S. interest.
Talks Come Amid Rising Yemen Tensions
The talks came as Houthi forces expanded their control along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
The meeting also followed a recent escalation in fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces. The developments have increased concerns over shipping and security around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Reuters reported that Washington has maintained contact with the Houthis despite designating the group as a foreign terrorist organization in 2025. The two sides reached a ceasefire in May 2025 after a U.S. campaign against Houthi targets.
