US Holds Secret Talks with Houthis in Oman

Sep 16, 2026

75 min

Sep 16, 2026 17:31

US secretly met Houthis; group pledges not to attack US, Israeli ships

## Secret Meeting in Muscat

US officials recently engaged in undisclosed discussions with Houthi representatives in Oman. The talks, facilitated by Oman, took place at the US Embassy in Muscat. The meeting occurred amid escalating tensions in Yemen, where the Houthis have gained control over key areas along the Red Sea coast.

## Houthis' Assurance

During the meeting, the Houthis assured the US they would not target American or Israeli ships in the Red Sea. However, they excluded Saudi vessels from this pledge. This assurance aligns with a ceasefire agreement reached with the US in 2025.

## US Response

While the US State Department did not confirm the meeting, it emphasized the importance of maintaining navigation freedom in the Red Sea. President Donald Trump mentioned that the Houthis had reached out to his administration, urging the US to stay out of the Yemen conflict.

## Background and Implications

The talks occur despite the US designating the Houthis as a terrorist organization in 2025. The Houthis have been in conflict with a Saudi-led coalition since 2014, following their takeover of Yemen's capital, Sanaa. Recent Houthi advances have prompted Saudi Arabia to seek US military support, though the US has limited its involvement to intelligence sharing.

## Regional Tensions

The secret talks coincide with postponed negotiations between Iran and Gulf states regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Some Iranian officials suspect US interference in the delay, although no evidence supports this claim. The situation highlights ongoing regional tensions affecting vital maritime routes.

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