U.S. and Houthis Reach Security Deal in Oman to Secure Red Sea Shipping Lanes

MUSCAT, Sept. 16 (AP) — The United States has agreed to halt air support for Saudi-backed forces and refrain from striking Houthi-held territories in exchange for a commitment by the Ansarallah movement to keep the Bab Al-Mandab shipping route open, officials confirmed following high-level talks in Oman on Tuesday.

The agreement marks a significant shift in the diplomatic approach toward the conflict that has disrupted global maritime trade for months. U.S. officials met with a Houthi delegation in the Omani capital to finalize security arrangements designed to de-escalate tensions in the strategic waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

Under the terms of the accord, Washington pledged not to provide aerial assistance to coalition forces operating against the Houthis. Additionally, American military assets will not conduct strikes on territories controlled by the Ansarallah group. In return, the Houthi delegation committed to ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Bab Al-Mandab strait, a chokepoint critical for energy shipments and international trade.

The negotiations took place against a backdrop of escalating maritime insecurity that had forced major shipping lines to reroute around Africa, increasing costs and delivery times. The U.S. delegation emphasized that securing the flow of global commerce was a primary national security interest, while Houthi representatives stated their willingness to engage in dialogue provided their security concerns regarding regional military operations were addressed.

Oman has long served as a neutral venue for such discussions, hosting previous rounds of indirect talks between the warring parties. The location allowed both sides to negotiate without the immediate pressure of public scrutiny or active combat zones. Officials from both delegations described the meeting as productive, noting that the framework established in Muscat provides a clear path toward stabilizing the region.

While the deal addresses immediate concerns regarding air campaigns and shipping safety, several questions remain regarding its long-term viability. It is unclear how the agreement will impact ongoing ground operations or whether it extends to other maritime routes currently under threat. Furthermore, the mechanism for monitoring compliance and verifying that no unauthorized strikes occur has not been fully detailed.

Regional analysts suggest that while the cessation of air support represents a major concession by Washington, the sustainability of the arrangement depends on the broader geopolitical landscape in Yemen and the Red Sea. Both sides indicated they would maintain communication channels to address potential violations or emerging security challenges.

The announcement comes as global markets await confirmation that shipping traffic will resume normal patterns through the strait. Commercial carriers have begun adjusting schedules in anticipation of safer passage, though full normalization of trade routes may take time as trust is rebuilt between the parties.