In his first days in office, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that the designation of the Houthi group as a terrorist organization will be reconsidered to ensure that it does not impede assistance to the Yemeni people.
Blinken stated to reporters, as reported by Reuters, that "it is essential, even amid the crisis, that we do everything we can to provide humanitarian aid to the Yemeni people who are in desperate need of it." He emphasized that Saudi Arabia is leading a war in Yemen that has resulted in the worst humanitarian disaster. Blinken explained that the review of the designation aimed to ensure that American and foreign humanitarian organizations can provide assistance to Yemen. This indicates a retreat from some recent steps taken by the previous administration, particularly focusing on sanctions against the Houthis. The previous U.S. administration had listed the Houthis as a terrorist organization earlier this month, while issuing exemptions for relief organizations. The United Nations expressed concern regarding Washington's decision, warning of its consequences on the humanitarian situation in Yemen.
Regarding normalization agreements between Israel and Arab countries, Blinken affirmed that the United States supports these agreements with "Israel." On the topic of the agreement with the Taliban, Blinken pointed out the necessity to understand precisely what is included in the agreement between the Taliban and the United States.
