US-Houthi Secret Deal? Saudi Arabia Left To Face Iran-Backed Rebels Alone

New Delhi: The talks between US officials and Houthi representatives in Muscat, the capital of Oman, have given a new turn to the crisis in Yemen and the Red Sea. No formal agreement has yet been confirmed between the US and the Houthis, but the news of the talks comes at a time when Houthi fighters are rapidly advancing on Yemen's Red Sea coast. It is expected to have a direct impact on Saudi Arabia's maritime security and oil exports.

What was the conversation between America and Houthis in Muscat?

According to reports, a meeting between US officials and Houthi representatives was held last weekend, brokered by Oman. Senior leaders from the Houthi side such as Mohammed Abdulsalam and Abdelmalik al-Ajiri were involved in the talks. It is reported that the Houthis have indicated not to target American ships and will abide by the ceasefire in 2025. However, their stance regarding Israeli ships is said to be different.

US Vice President JD Vance has also talked about direct contact between America and the Houthis. In such a situation, it is clear that Washington is not dependent only on the path of military action at this time.

Has America made any deal with the Houthis?

At present it is too early to call it a formal agreement. No written or official deal has been confirmed by either the US or the Houthis. Some former diplomats and experts have seen this as a possible informal understanding.

This could mean the Houthis agreeing not to target American and other international shipping while maintaining their stance on Saudi ships and tankers carrying Saudi oil. In such a situation, America's military involvement in the Red Sea may be reduced, but Saudi Arabia will face a different kind of challenge.

What is the biggest problem for Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia's concerns are not limited to the border or the ongoing war in Yemen. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is extremely important for its oil exports and international maritime trade. In recent days, the Houthis have strengthened their positions around the Red Sea and increased control over strategic areas including Mayun Island. This may increase the threat to the maritime movement of Saudi oil. Already, Saudi Arabia has faced difficulties after the attack on its East-West oil pipeline. There is also concern about global oil supply due to reduced shipping in the Red Sea.

Is America withdrawing from providing military aid to Saudi Arabia?

This question makes this entire incident more important. Saudi Arabia has been seeking US military support against the Houthis, but Washington has reportedly not accepted Saudi demands for a direct military campaign against the Houthis. On the other hand, America itself is busy in the ongoing conflict with Iran.

If a limited understanding is reached between the US and the Houthis, Saudi Arabia may have to assume a large part of the security of the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb.

What could be the impact on oil prices?

The impact of disruption to ship traffic in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb is already visible on the energy market. On September 18, Brent crude closed at $104.82 per barrel and US WTI at $101.91.

In such a situation, if the activities of Houthis increase and the pressure on Saudi oil export route continues, then the concerns of the global oil market may increase further in the coming days. At present, the biggest question is whether the US-Huthi contact reaches a comprehensive agreement or remains only a limited level of talks.