US and Houthi channel stays open as military buildup continues

Diplomats met Houthi representatives in Oman over the weekend, and the contact still stands even as Washington and its allies keep pressing forward militarily.

American diplomats met Houthi representatives at the US Embassy in Oman over the weekend to discuss tensions in the Red Sea, a regional source familiar with the matter said. The talks came as the wider standoff around Iran and the Red Sea keeps hardening on other fronts.

The Houthis have told US officials they will avoid attacking Israeli vessels, even as Saudi-led forces and Washington keep military options open. That pledge was made during the same Oman channel. Iran's security chief has said broader talks will not happen until Tehran's demands are met, while Vice President Vance has described the conflict as entering what he calls a managed phase.

Military planning has not slowed. The US is preparing a $2.8 billion weapons package for Israel that includes 20,000 MK-84 bombs, 20,000 BLU-117 bombs and 20,000 I-2000 penetrator warheads. Military chiefs from the US, Israel and Arab nations have also held a secret meeting on Iran. Oman's foreign minister has separately discussed de-escalation with Secretary of State Rubio by phone.

The diplomatic channel has not yet shown up in markets. VLCC tanker rates have passed $1 million a day for the first time, and Brent's physical spot price has traded above $135 a barrel. Shipping disruptions and the resulting price moves reflect expectations of prolonged tension, and talks continuing in Oman have not reversed them. The Houthi assurance on Israeli vessels and the parallel Oman contacts show the diplomatic track is still active, but for now it sits alongside the disruption rather than replacing it.