Report: Saudi Arabia examining political solution with the Houthis

Diplomatic sources in the Gulf report that Saudi Arabia and the Houthis are nearing Oman-mediated negotiations for a ceasefire. Meanwhile, reports in the US indicate that President Trump delayed a possible strike against the Houthis at the last minute, prepared at the request of Saudi Crown Prince bin Salman. The Houthis threaten a "siege for siege" policy and demand the opening of ports and airports.

Diplomatic sources in the Gulf report that Saudi Arabia and the Houthis are nearing Oman-mediated negotiations, aiming first for a ceasefire and later for the removal of the Houthi threat on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. According to the sources, the Saudis are struggling to find a military solution and, lacking international assistance, are also examining the political option. Meanwhile, reports in the US indicate that President Trump delayed a possible strike against the Houthis at the last minute, prepared at the request of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Trump changed the course of action on Sunday afternoon and postponed the operation, even though targets were approved and planes were ready for takeoff. Houthi leader Mahdi al-Mashat declared a new formula of "siege for siege, escalation for escalation" and demanded an end to the Saudi siege, reopening airports and ports, and returning resources to Yemen. Meanwhile, Qatar is exchanging proposals between Iran and the US in an effort to renew negotiations on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is expected to speak at the UN General Assembly, and Trump has not ruled out a meeting with him.