Representatives of Yemen’s Houthi movement met with U.S. officials at the American Embassy in Muscat over the weekend, according to five sources familiar with the matter, assuring Washington they have no intention of attacking American vessels. The undisclosed diplomatic engagement followed a sweeping Houthi offensive that seized control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coastline, routing Saudi-backed forces and prompting an urgent call for military support from Saudi Arabia’s leadership.
Diplomatic Outreach in Muscat Following Red Sea Coastline Offensive
Embassy in Muscat over the weekend, with three sources confirming the location and two noting that Oman’s government helped organize the talks. According to two sources, the Houthi delegation included senior officials Mohammad Abdulsalam—who is based in Muscat and subject to U.S. sanctions—and Abdelmalik al-Ajri. Embassy personnel represented the U.S. side, two sources stated.
The diplomatic outreach unfolded just days after the Iran-backed militia captured a strategic stretch of the Red Sea coast. The offensive secured the historic port of Mocha, and Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb, or “Gate of Tears” strait, at the sea’s mouth. The territorial gains upended a localized quiet in Yemen’s decade-long conflict, which had seen reduced fighting under a ceasefire following years of war against a Saudi-led coalition.
Houthi Assurances on Red Sea Shipping and Ceasefire Commitments
During Sunday’s discussions, the Houthi delegation told U.S. officials that the group remains committed to the ceasefire reached with Washington, two sources said. The militia explicitly stated they harbor no intention of attacking American vessels. One Yemeni source added that the group also promised to refrain from striking Israeli ships or any other commercial traffic, carving out an exception solely for Saudi-owned vessels.
The assurances contrast sharply with the recent escalation at sea. Fighting resumed in July after the Houthis declared a blockade on Saudi shipping in the Red Sea, a move executed in response to a Saudi blockade of Yemeni ports. The Trump administration designated the Houthis as a “foreign terrorist organization” in March 2025, criminalizing support for the group. Even so, Washington has maintained direct communication channels. President Donald Trump remarked on Saturday that the Houthis had contacted his administration to ask the U.S. to stay out of the Yemen war, while Vice President JD Vance confirmed direct contact on Monday without providing specifics.
Regional Fallout and Saudi Arabia’s Appeal to Washington
The rapid Houthi advances have reverberated across Riyadh. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, phoned President Trump last week to request direct U.S. military support against the advancing militia, according to Reuters reports. Washington subsequently informed Riyadh that the United States would not get directly involved.
When asked about the Muscat meetings, a State Department spokesperson declined to confirm the diplomatic sessions. However, the spokesperson emphasized that safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and preventing the export of terrorism from the Middle East remain core U.S. interests. Oman’s embassy in the United States and Houthi official Mohammad Abdulsalam did not respond to requests for comment.
Did You Know?
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the meetings between U.S. officials and the Houthis take place?
What assurances did the Houthis give to the United States?
Two sources stated that the Houthis assured U.S. officials they have no intention of attacking American vessels, remain committed to the ceasefire, and will not target Israeli or general commercial shipping outside of Saudi vessels.
Why did Saudi Arabia contact the Trump administration?
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called President Trump seeking U.S. military support after Houthi forces seized Yemen’s entire Red Sea coastline, though Washington stated it would not get directly involved.
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