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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Patrick Wintour Diplomatic editor

US opts not to back Saudi Arabia in Yemen after meeting Houthi leaders

A soldier is seen in silhouette firing a mounted semi-automatic rifle on a hilltop
Houthi fighters participate in an offensive near the port city of Mokha, Yemen. Photograph: EPA

Officials from the US met Houthi leaders over the weekend at the country’s embassy in Muscat, Oman, it has been confirmed, leading to the US decision not to intervene to help Saudi Arabia drive back a Houthi advance inside Yemen.

The Iran-backed militant group reassured the US that the ceasefire agreement between the two sides struck in 2025 still held and the movement had no intention of attacking US shipping in the Red Sea. Only Saudi-linked shipping was regarded as a target owing to its blockade of Yemen, the Houthis confirmed.

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