Secret Meeting Between US and Houthi Representatives in Muscat Revealed
Mian Nadeem | Published September 16, 2026 | 06:21 PM
A secret meeting took place in Muscat, the capital of Oman, between representatives of the United States and the Houthis as part of direct talks. US Vice President J.D. Vance confirmed these contacts, according to Reuters.
The international news agency reported that during the meeting, the Houthis assured US officials they would not attack American naval vessels and reaffirmed their commitment to the 2025 ceasefire. They also informed US officials that they wouldn't target Israeli ships.
This clandestine encounter at the US Embassy in Muscat involved senior Houthi leaders, with Oman facilitating the talks. While sources noted that the Houthis promised not to target US naval vessels, they maintained their right to take action against Saudi Arabia.
Reuters named Mohammed Abdulsalam and Abdulmalik al-Ajri as among the senior Houthi representatives present. This secret contact emerges amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, highlighting the region's maritime security concerns, especially regarding shipping in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb strait.
Saudi Arabia reportedly sought military assistance from the US in response to recent Houthi activities, though Washington has yet to decide on direct military intervention. The US State Department remains tight-lipped about the meeting, stating only that diplomatic efforts continue to ensure maritime security and regional stability.
Analysts interpret these direct communications as a sign that diplomatic channels remain open despite ongoing tensions, though the complex situation persists due to the Houthis' stance on Saudi Arabia.