The U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking said on Wednesday, the U.S. designation of the Houthi rebels as a terrorist group puts "additional pressure" on the group that may discourage attacks on ships in the Red Sea, but ultimately a diplomatic solution will have to be found in Yemen.
Envoy Tim Lenderking said the Houthi attacks are undermining progress in the peace process in the broader Yemeni conflict.
Lenderking added "We favour a diplomatic solution, we know that there is no military solution," he said.
Saudi Arabia mediating between the Houthis and the internationally recognised Yemeni government "gives us some hope that we can use this moment to get beyond current tensions", he concluded.