US officials meet Iran-backed Houthis in Oman

US officials engaged in discussions with representatives of the Iran-backed Houthis in Oman, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. The encounter, which took place at the US Embassy in Muscat, transpired days after the Houthis launched a successful offensive that pushed Saudi-backed forces back and secured a significant stretch of the Red Sea coastline.

The Trump administration had labeled the Houthis as a foreign terrorist organization in March 2025, making it illegal for the United States to provide support to the group. Despite this designation, Washington has been engaging with the militia, leading to a ceasefire in May of the previous year following a two-month bombing campaign.

During the meeting, the Houthis declared no intent to attack American or Israeli vessels, except those belonging to Saudi Arabia. The US side was reportedly represented by embassy personnel, including a senior Houthi official named Mohammad Abdulsalam, who is subject to US sanctions.

Throughout their discussion, the Houthis reiterated their commitment to the 2025 ceasefire with the US. Responding to inquiries, a State Department spokesperson declined to comment on the specific meeting, emphasizing the US' commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and preventing the spread of terrorism from the Middle East.

Oman's embassy in the US, as well as a senior Houthi representative named Abdulsalam, did not provide any comments when reached for comment. The Houthis recently took control of the entire Red Sea coastline in Yemen, including the historic port of Mocha and Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb strait.