From the Guardian · · 2m
US backs away from Yemen fight after Houthi talks
American officials met Iran-backed Houthis in Oman and decided against supporting Saudi Arabia's military push in Yemen.
In brief
American officials met Iran-backed Houthis in Oman and decided against supporting Saudi Arabia's military push in Yemen. The US has chosen diplomatic engagement with the Houthis over military support for Saudi Arabia, betting on assurances that American shipping will be spared in the Red Sea. Originally reported by…
US meets Houthi leaders in Oman
American officials met with Iran-backed Houthi leaders over the weekend at the US embassy in Muscat, Oman, marking a significant diplomatic engagement.
US decides against backing Saudi Arabia
Following the meeting, the US rejected military intervention to help Saudi Arabia counter a Houthi advance in western Yemen.
Houthis promise to spare US shipping
The Iran-backed group reassured the US that a 2025 ceasefire still holds and they will not attack American vessels in the Red Sea, targeting only Saudi-linked shipping.
“The Houthis are promising the American administration that American and international navigation will not be affected in the Red Sea, but the only danger is to Saudi ships or those carrying Saudi oil.”
Trump condemns Houthis but avoids action
Donald Trump criticized the Houthi advance for threatening freedom of navigation through the Bab al-Mandab strait but rejected military response in support of Riyadh.
VP Vance confirms direct contact
US Vice President JD Vance confirmed on Monday that the US maintains direct contact with the Houthis, despite labeling them a foreign terrorist entity in March 2025.
Saudi Arabia faces pressure to negotiate
The US refusal to intervene has forced Saudi Arabia to seek either a diplomatic solution with the Houthis or build a regional alliance with Pakistan and Turkey.
Saudi claims Houthis attacked Mecca
Saudi Arabia claimed the Houthis fired a drone at the holy city of Mecca on Tuesday, which was intercepted by Saudi defense forces near the most sacred shrines.
Houthis deny Mecca attack claim
The Houthi leadership dismissed the attack claim as a lie, noting their Shia faith respects the pilgrimage to Mecca and accused Saudi Arabia of using propaganda.
“The truth is that Saudi Arabia is experiencing a real predicament in Yemen. It became embroiled in a war, a siege and an occupation, and then failed to achieve its goals.”
Israel offers to help Saudi Arabia
Israeli officials leaked details of a secret military meeting in Germany with US and Arab commanders to discuss the war against Iran, with Israel offering to intervene in Yemen.
China seeks regional stability
Iran's foreign minister met with China's counterpart in Beijing to discuss the strait of Hormuz, while China called for a settlement and resisted US secondary sanctions.
Oil prices surge amid tensions
Oil prices remain above one hundred dollars per barrel and a key Saudi east-west pipeline stays closed following a bombing incident.
The short version
The US has chosen diplomatic engagement with the Houthis over military support for Saudi Arabia, betting on assurances that American shipping will be spared in the Red Sea.
