The Iran-backed Houthi movement has reportedly informed US officials that Israeli and American ships will not be targeted, while Saudi vessels remain prioritised targets, according to a report cited by The Zioneer. The assurance was conveyed during a meeting at the US Embassy in Oman and covers shipping only, not a broader ceasefire with Israel, a source told Jewish Breaking News.
The Houthi movement has confirmed in a meeting with US officials in Oman that Saudi commercial vessels remain legitimate targets, while Israeli and American ships will not be attacked. The Iranian-backed group also made clear that the pledge applies solely to maritime shipping and does not constitute a broader ceasefire with Israel, according to a source cited by The Zioneer at 23:34 Jerusalem tonight.
The confirmation builds on a series of developments reported earlier today. At 14:02 Jerusalem, Reuters disclosed that US officials secretly met with senior Houthi leaders in Oman on Sunday, during which the Houthis stated they would refrain from attacking Israeli and American ships—except Saudi vessels. The Zioneer subsequently reported at 17:51 Jerusalem that analyst Tamir Morg characterized the Houthi message as a tactical move driven by deterrence, noting that both the US and Israel have struck Houthi targets.
The Houthi commitment comes amid heightened regional tensions. As The Zioneer reported in prior coverage, Saudi Arabia has formed a 14-nation maritime coalition to protect Red Sea shipping, and the Houthis have escalated attacks on maritime traffic and Saudi infrastructure. The background context includes reports of a planned joint US-Israel-Gulf military operation against Iran and the Houthis, as well as the earlier collapse of the Houthi-Saudi ceasefire.
The details of the latest meeting remain sourced to a single report and have not been independently confirmed.
3 developments
- DevelopingHouthis announce renewed 'naval blockade', declare any Israeli vessel a target
- DevelopingHouthi military spokesperson claims missile strike on Jaffa, announces full ban on Israeli Red Sea shipping
- StrongHouthi spokesman warns Saudi airports targeted if blockade continues
- DevelopingSaudi source denies report of planned talks with Houthis under Omani mediation
Source and signal
- Open-source intake