Intelligence sources revealed that talks mediated by Oman to repair and protect the undersea fiber-optic cables in the Red Sea have collapsed due to repeated setbacks caused by Houthi obstinacy.
These negotiations were intended to establish a mechanism for restoring damaged cables and ensuring the safety of global communications infrastructure in the region.
According to the French outlet Intelligence Online, Oman launched efforts to mediate between the Houthis and international stakeholders, including telecom companies and governments, to create “safe zones” or obtain Houthi guarantees to stop targeting the undersea cables—essential lifelines of the global internet.
However, the Houthis withdrew from the negotiations, citing “rising tensions in the Red Sea.” A Yemeni government source warned that the Houthis are exploiting the cable issue as leverage in regional conflicts, stressing that the threat to global internet connectivity remains severe.