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    US Officials Engage with Houthi Leaders in Oman as Trump Halts Military Support for Saudi Arabia

    Section editor: ·Low3 articles covering this·3 news sources·Updated 2 hours ago·MENA
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    Map showing Yemen's Bab al-Mandab strait and the geopolitical implications of US-Houthi talks.

    What happened

    US officials engaged in diplomatic talks with Houthi leaders in Oman, leading President Trump to withhold military support for Saudi Arabia.

    The Context

    • Ongoing conflict: The Yemen conflict has seen Houthi forces, backed by Iran, making territorial gains against Saudi Arabia, raising concerns over regional stability.
    • Ceasefire assurances: The Houthis reaffirmed their commitment to a 2025 ceasefire and promised not to target US or Israeli vessels, except those linked to Saudi Arabia.
    • Pressure on Saudi Arabia: With US military support off the table, Saudi Arabia faces increased pressure to negotiate directly with the Houthis or seek alternative alliances.

    The Number

    Five sources

    confirmed the US-Houthi meeting, underscoring the significance of this diplomatic engagement in a volatile region.

    Takeaway

    Expect ongoing diplomatic efforts as the US maintains contact with the Houthis while Saudi Arabia reassesses its military strategy.

    3 Articles
    France 24 Middle East

    Trump declines to back Saudi Arabia as US officials reportedly meet Iran-backed Houthis in Oman

    U.S. officials met with representatives of Yemen's Houthis in Oman, following the militia's recent capture of key areas along the Red Sea coast, which has raised concerns for Saudi Arabia. President Donald Trump has declined Saudi requests for milita...

    12 hours ago
    Read Full Article
    France 24

    Trump declines to back Saudi Arabia as US officials reportedly meet Iran-backed Houthis in Oman

    U.S. officials met with representatives of Yemen's Houthis in Oman, following the militia's recent capture of key areas along the Red Sea coast, which has raised concerns for Saudi Arabia. President Donald Trump has declined Saudi requests for milita...

    12 hours ago
    Read Full Article
    The Hill

    Trump is hands-off on Houthis and the Saudis aren't happy

    President Trump is adopting a hands-off approach regarding the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, which has led to increased tensions with Saudi Arabia as the Houthis gain control over strategic areas, including the Red Sea coastline.

    The Guardian

    US opts not to back Saudi Arabia in Yemen after meeting Houthi leaders

    The United States has opted not to support Saudi Arabia in its conflict with Houthi leaders in Yemen following a recent meeting in Muscat, Oman. The Houthi group, backed by Iran, assured US officials that a ceasefire agreement from 2025 remains intac...