CAIRO — In a Zoom interview from the rebel‑held capital of Sanaa, Mohamed al‑Bukhaiti, a senior member of the Houthi political bureau, warned that any nation that sides with Saudi Arabia in Yemen’s revived civil war will face a multi‑front conflict. He emphasized that the Houthis have communicated directly with the Trump administration that they will not target United States ships or any other nation’s vessels in the Bab el‑Mandeb Strait, except for what he called the “Saudi enemy.”

U.S. contacts and recent diplomatic activity

President Trump recently noted that his administration has held discussions with the Houthis, adding that the rebels “called us, and they don’t want to fight with us.” He said the group prefers to keep U.S. involvement out of the conflict and is allowing most commercial traffic to pass through the strait.

The Associated Press reported that Oman hosted a meeting between U.S. and Houthi representatives last weekend. While the participants spoke on condition of anonymity, al‑Bukhaiti confirmed that indirect contacts have been made through the longtime Omani mediator, which helped broker a 2025 cease‑fire between the Houthis and the Trump administration. That cease‑fire ended a week‑long U.S. bombing campaign in exchange for the rebels halting attacks on U.S. vessels.

Strategic aims and Red Sea navigation

Al‑Bukhaiti stressed that the Houthis’ military operations are not intended to close the Bab el‑Mandeb Strait. Instead, they aim to ensure “freedom of navigation through it for everyone, including Yemen.” He warned that the rebels possess the capability to fight on multiple fronts should any nation become implicated in aggression against Yemen alongside Saudi Arabia.

He also reiterated that the Houthis will continue missile and drone strikes against Saudi Arabia until Riyadh ends its decade‑long blockade of rebel‑held areas and permits vessels to reach Houthi‑controlled Red Sea ports. At that point, the group says it would be ready to negotiate.

Recent escalation and regional impact

The latest flare‑up followed an airstrike—blamed on the Saudi‑led coalition—on Sanaa International Airport, which prevented an Iranian‑registered flight carrying a Houthi delegation from landing. In response, the Houthis launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi targets, including an attempted strike on Riyadh that was intercepted. Saudi officials reported that debris from a Houthi drone killed one civilian and injured several others.

The Houthis have also declared a blockade of Saudi shipping in the Bab el‑Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea, targeting Saudi‑linked vessels and oil facilities. While the Saudi‑backed Yemeni government forces have withdrawn from some front lines, they have vowed to regroup and continue the fight.

Broader geopolitical context

Analysts note that the Houthis now control Yemen’s western coast, including the strategic port city of Mokha and key Red Sea islands, giving them a stronger position to monitor and influence the vital shipping corridor that carries roughly 12 % of global trade. The shift in power, al‑Bukhaiti said, has moved the balance in favor of the Sanaa government, effectively stripping Saudi Arabia of its most critical maritime card.

While the United States has historically bombed the Houthis under both the Biden and Trump administrations, the current administration has shown no interest in re‑engaging militarily. Instead, it appears to be pursuing diplomatic channels, albeit with limited success, as negotiations with Iran— the only regional power with leverage over the Houthis—have stalled.

Implications for U.S. interests

The Trump administration’s assurance that the Houthis will not target U.S. vessels aligns with broader American interests in keeping the Red Sea shipping lane open for commercial and strategic traffic. By maintaining open lines of communication through Omani mediation, the administration hopes to avoid a direct military confrontation while encouraging a diplomatic resolution that could eventually lead to a lasting peace in Yemen.

For now, the Houthis remain firm in their stance: they will continue pressure on Saudi Arabia until the blockade is lifted, while simultaneously assuring the United States that its ships will not be targeted.

Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.