US officials reportedly met Yemen's Houthis in Oman over the weekend, according to sources. The meeting came after the group seized the Red Sea coast, escalating tensions with Saudi Arabia. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have been accused of targeting Saudi oil facilities and attacking shipping lanes.
Saudi Arabia has responded with airstrikes, claiming Houthi rebels targeted Islam's holiest city. The conflict has led to a regional arms race, with Saudi Arabia now seeking missile defenses from allies like France, Britain, Pakistan, and Egypt.
The US, meanwhile, is reportedly close to a deal with the Houthis to end the Yemen war. However, direct talks with Iran remain stalled. The situation remains volatile, with both sides accusing each other of escalating hostilities.
The conflict has also impacted global markets, with analysts linking rising fuel prices in Britain to Houthi attacks on shipping routes. The war continues to strain regional stability and international relations.
