US officials reportedly met representatives of Yemen’s Houthi movement in Muscat, Oman, over the weekend. Five people familiar with the discussions told Reuters about the meeting. The talks came as fighting between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia intensified in Yemen.
The reported meeting shows that Washington and the Houthis continue to maintain contact despite major tensions between them. The US government has not publicly confirmed the talks. The State Department has said that protecting freedom of navigation in the Red Sea remains an important US interest.
Quick Fact
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What happened | US officials reportedly met Houthi representatives for talks. |
| Where | Muscat, Oman |
| When | Over the weekend |
| Who was involved | US officials and Houthi representatives |
| Reported focus | Avoiding attacks on American vessels and maintaining the 2025 ceasefire. |
| Current status | The US government has not publicly confirmed the reported meeting. |
| Why it matters | The talks come amid renewed tensions and fighting in Yemen. |
According to five sources familiar with the discussions, US officials met Houthi representatives at the US Embassy in Muscat. Two sources said Oman helped arrange the talks.
The meeting reportedly took place as Houthi forces expanded their control along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. The group has also increased pressure on Saudi Arabia during the latest escalation.
The talks have not received public confirmation from Washington. However, US officials have acknowledged direct contact with the Houthis
What the Houthis Told US Officials
Two sources said Houthi representatives told US officials that they did not plan to attack American vessels.
The sources also said the Houthis remained committed to the ceasefire reached with Washington in 2025.
These details have not received a full public confirmation from either side.
US Policy Toward the Houthis
The Trump administration designated Ansarallah, commonly known as the Houthis, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 2025. The US government continues to list the group under its terrorism related policies.
Despite that designation, Washington has also held talks with the group. In 2025, the two sides reached a ceasefire after US military action against Houthi targets.
The latest reported meeting shows the complicated nature of US policy toward the group. Washington continues to oppose Houthi attacks while also using diplomatic channels to discuss maritime security and the wider conflict.
Why the Oman Talks Matter
The Red Sea remains an important shipping route for international trade. Any major disruption could affect commercial shipping and regional economies.
The situation has become more serious after the Houthis expanded their presence along parts of Yemen’s Red Sea coast. Recent fighting has also increased pressure on Saudi Arabia and raised concerns about wider regional instability.
US Houthis Hold Reported Oman Talks
The next step will depend on developments in Yemen and the wider region.
Washington may continue diplomatic contact with the Houthis while monitoring attacks against American and commercial vessels. Saudi Arabia also faces pressure as fighting with the Houthis continues.
US officials reportedly met Houthi representatives in Muscat over the weekend, according to people familiar with the talks.Cussions focused on avoiding attacks against American vessels and maintaining the 2025 US-Houthi ceasefire. Washington has not publicly confirmed the meeting, so some details remain unverified.
