US Officials Hold Secret Talks with Houthis in Oman

The meeting, facilitated by Oman at the U.S. Embassy, included senior Houthi officials Mohammad Abdulsalam and Abdelmalik al Ajiri. Despite the Trump administration’s designation of the group as a foreign terrorist organization, the Houthis reportedly pledged to maintain the 2025 ceasefire and refrain from targeting American or commercial vessels. These assurances specifically excluded Saudi-flagged ships, which the group continues to target in response to ongoing maritime blockades.

This diplomatic outreach runs parallel to the Houthis' recent tactical expansion. By seizing control of the historic port of Mocha and Perim Island, the group has cemented its influence over the Bab el Mandeb Strait. While Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has lobbied Washington for direct military support to counter these gains, the U.S. has signaled a refusal to intervene militarily. Instead, the Biden-era strategy of maintaining communication channels persists, aiming to protect vital maritime navigation without escalating into a broader regional war.