US negotiates directly with Houthis on Bab al-Mandab shipping; military restraint tied to domestic politics

Vice President Vance confirms direct US-Houthi negotiations to keep the Bab al-Mandab strait open for world trade, marking a shift from prior US posture of military pressure. The US is reportedly holding back militarily due to concerns that a war with Iran could cost Republicans votes, per Global Reporter Jan Philipp Burgard. This indicates a potential de-escalation in the Red Sea, but the outcome remains uncertain as talks are ongoing.