# Yemen Houthi negotiations and maritime security > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/yemen-houthi-negotiations-and-maritime-security > Updated: 2026-09-18T17:41:22.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. Negotiations involving Houthi forces in Yemen have transitioned from stalled local prisoner exchanges to direct diplomatic engagement with the United States. In August 2026, a prisoner exchange deal between the Yemeni government and Houthi forces remained at a standstill. The Yemeni government attributed the failure of the initial exchange phase to Houthi authorities preventing Red Cross aircraft from landing in Sanaa. Concurrently, human rights concerns grew due to arrest campaigns and reports of torture within Houthi-controlled regions. By September 2026, the diplomatic landscape shifted as President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States is engaged in talks with the Houthi group. Facilitated by Omani mediation, reports indicated that U.S. officials met with Houthi representatives in Muscat. During these discussions, Houthi officials reportedly expressed a commitment to a 2025 ceasefire agreement and indicated they do not intend to target U.S. vessels, as the U.S. seeks to protect maritime freedom in the Red Sea. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-18: Donald Trump confirms U.S. negotiations with Houthi group President Donald Trump confirmed the U.S. is conducting negotiations with the Houthi group in Yemen to reach a potential agreement regarding maritime security and regional stability. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-confirms-us-negotiations-with-houthi-group ### 2026-08-24: Yemen prisoner exchange deal stalls amid Houthi arrest campaigns A UN-mediated prisoner exchange between the Yemeni government and Houthi forces is stalled, as reports of new arrests and torture in Houthi detention centers emerge. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yemen-prisoner-exchange-deal-stalls-amid-houthi-arrest-campaigns --- Cite as: Yemen Houthi negotiations and maritime security. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/yemen-houthi-negotiations-and-maritime-security