Saudi Arabia seeks two-week Yemen truce as Houthi offensive expands
The proposal follows Saudi outreach to the US, Egypt, Pakistan and Oman as Riyadh seeks international assistance in responding to a renewed Houthi offensive
Saudi Arabia has proposed a two-week ceasefire in Yemen through Oman, seeking to halt fighting while the sides discuss humanitarian measures before attempting to reach a broader settlement, according to the information provided.
The proposal follows Saudi outreach to the US, Egypt, Pakistan and Oman as Riyadh seeks international assistance in responding to a renewed Houthi offensive, says National Security News.
Saudi Arabia wants humanitarian demands to be addressed before broader political negotiations. The Houthis, however, are seeking a comprehensive settlement that directly addresses Saudi involvement in Yemen rather than limiting initial talks to humanitarian issues.
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Oman continues to serve as the primary intermediary between Saudi Arabia, the Houthis and the US.
The diplomatic efforts come as the military balance has shifted, with the Houthis capturing Mocha and expanding their control along the southern Red Sea coast near the Bab al-Mandab strait, one of the world's major maritime chokepoints.
The waterway has become increasingly important to Saudi Arabia as disruption in the Strait of Hormuz limits alternative routes for Gulf energy exports. Escalating conflict in the region has displaced more than 115,000 people from their homes.
Saudi authorities have issued security warnings for Mecca, Jeddah and Taif. The Houthis have claimed attacks targeting the King Khalid airbase in Khamis Mushait and Saudi Aramco infrastructure in Yanbu.
Saudi Arabia has also accused the Houthis of launching a drone towards Mecca, saying it was intercepted near prohibited airspace. The Houthis denied targeting the holy city, calling the claim a fabrication and saying Saudi Arabia was trapped in a failed military campaign.
Separately, Houthi officials assured the US administration that international and US shipping in the Red Sea would not be targeted, in line with a bilateral ceasefire agreed in 2025.
The Houthis warned, however, that Saudi ships and vessels carrying Saudi oil remained targets.
US Vice-President JD Vance confirmed direct contact between Washington and Houthi representatives, including chief negotiator Mohammed Abdul Salam and Abdelmalik al-Ajiri.
