Houthis Pledge No Attacks on US Ships in Red Sea, Vow to Continue Strikes on Saudi Arabia

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels announced they will not attack US ships in the Red Sea but will continue military operations against Saudi Arabia, according to a statement reported from Sana. Houthi Political Bureau member Mohammed al-Bukaiti told the Associated Press the group confirmed it will only target Saudi Arabia, not the US or other nations. He warned other countries against joining Saudi Arabia in Yemen's civil war and said the group does not intend to block the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, instead ensuring navigation freedom. The statement comes as Iran awaits a US response on ending the conflict. President Donald Trump confirmed contact with the Houthis, who said they don't want war with America. Indirect talks reportedly occurred via Oman, though al-Bukaiti warned the group is ready to expand the conflict if more nations join Saudi military actions.