Vance says US has held 'direct conversations' with the Houthis

Vice President JD Vance told reporters in Kansas City that the US has been in direct conversations with the Houthis, voiced concern about their seizure of Mayyun (Perim) Island in the Bab al-Mandeb, and said Washington was in constant contact with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and others affected.

Why this matters. It confirms a US channel to the Houthis while Washington supplies Saudi Arabia with targeting intelligence but stays out of the fighting.