US held secret meeting with Houthis in Oman – media reveal details

American officials held a secret meeting with representatives of Yemen's Houthis in Oman. The talks took place amid a new offensive by the group and its strengthening on the Red Sea coast. The meeting was held at the US embassy in Muscat with the participation of Omani representatives, who act as mediators in regional conflicts. The talks occurred several days after a major Houthi offensive, during which the group seized control of the port of Mokha and Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb strait area. The Houthis stated they do not plan to attack US ships and intend to adhere to a ceasefire, except for vessels linked to Saudi Arabia. The American delegation was represented by embassy staff, while the Houthi side included Mohammed Abdulsalam and Abdelmalik al-Ajiri. Earlier, US President Donald Trump said the Houthis had asked Washington not to intervene in the conflict in Yemen. The US State Department declined to confirm the meeting.