What happened
US officials reportedly met with representatives of the Houthis, a Yemeni militant group backed by Iran, in Oman over the weekend. According to reports, the Houthis agreed not to attack American or Israeli vessels in the Red Sea, but said they would continue to attack ships belonging to Saudi Arabia.
The meeting comes as the Houthis have intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia and seized strategic territory in Yemen, including the country's Red Sea coastline. The group has also launched missiles and drones at Saudi oil facilities, and a drone that appeared to be targeting the holy city of Mecca was intercepted by Saudi Arabia.
The US State Department has not confirmed the meeting, but the incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region. The US has been involved in a conflict with Iran, and the Houthis have been a key player in the conflict in Yemen.
In related news, the US House of Representatives voted to end the Iran War for the third time, with seven Republicans and all Democrats present supporting the resolution. The final tally was 220-204. Vice President JD Vance said the war will enter a new phase in a couple of months, and agreed with President Trump's remark that the war will end after the November midterm elections.
