US officials decide against backing Saudi Arabia in Yemen
Officials met Houthi leaders in Muscat and were reassured the 2025 ceasefire holds; the US will not intervene to aid Riyadh, officials said.
Mateo Fernandez ·
US officials decided not to back Saudi Arabia after one weekend meeting with Houthi leaders in Muscat, reducing the likelihood of direct US intervention in Yemen, officials said.
Officials said Houthi leaders reassured US representatives that the 2025 ceasefire remains in effect and that the movement does not intend to attack US shipping in the Red Sea; they added the group viewed only Saudi-linked vessels as legitimate targets because of the blockade.
Muscat embassy meeting
Officials said the talks took place at the country’s embassy in Muscat, Oman, and followed a recent Houthi advance inside Yemen that Riyadh has sought to roll back. The sessions, officials said, produced assurances on maritime behavior that informed Washington’s decision not to assist Saudi counter-operations.
Officials said the US judgement rests on avoiding escalation that could draw in US forces and disrupt Red Sea trade routes. Shipping companies, insurers and regional capitals will watch whether Houthi assurances hold and whether Riyadh alters its blockade policy.
Officials said they will reassess US posture and maritime risk by September 23, 2026, and monitor whether the ceasefire arrangement from 2025 continues to be observed.