A senior Houthi official claimed the U.S. offered to recognize the Iran-backed group in exchange for ceasing attacks on Israel and maritime shipping, a statement U.S. officials have dismissed as false. Houthi leader Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti asserted there are ongoing communications with the U.S. and U.K. after each military operation, although U.S. officials characterized these claims as 'total fabrication' and indicative of Houthi propaganda. The remarks coincided with a ballistic missile attack by the Houthis on central Israel, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to threaten severe consequences. Since November, the Houthis have conducted numerous attacks on vessels, damaging over 80 ships and causing casualties. The situation remains tense, with calls for military escalation from the U.S. directed at groups supporting Gaza and the ongoing war in Yemen against the internationally recognized government. The Houthis have been involved in the conflict since 2014, controlling significant territories in Yemen.