Sana'a -- The Houthi Rebels in Yemen has held talks with the United Nations Special Envoy, Hans Grundberg, to explore ways to resume implementation of the Saudi-backed peace roadmap aimed at ending the country’s decade-long conflict. 

The meeting, which took place in Sanaa on October 29, 2025, comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts to stabilize Yemen following months of regional escalation.

According to a statement from the Office of the Special Envoy, Grundberg met with senior Houthi officials to discuss confidence-building measures, humanitarian access, and mechanisms for political dialogue. 

The roadmap, initially agreed upon in late 2023 between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, outlines steps toward a nationwide ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, economic reforms, and preparations for inclusive Yemeni-led negotiations.

Houthi representatives reportedly reaffirmed their commitment to the roadmap but raised concerns over delays in its implementation, citing continued U.S. and Saudi military operations in northern Yemen and the Red Sea. They also demanded guarantees for the payment of public sector salaries and the lifting of restrictions on Sanaa airport and Hodeidah port.

Grundberg emphasized the importance of restoring momentum to the peace process and urged all parties to avoid actions that could undermine trust. He reiterated the UN’s readiness to facilitate dialogue and coordinate with regional actors to ensure the roadmap’s success.

The meeting follows recent tensions between the Houthis and international organizations, including the temporary detention of UN staff in Sanaa earlier this month. 

Despite these setbacks, the UN envoy has continued shuttle diplomacy between Riyadh, Muscat, and Sanaa to salvage the fragile peace framework.

Saudi Arabia has previously welcomed the roadmap as a foundation for a comprehensive political solution and has called on all Yemeni factions to engage constructively under UN auspices.

The conflict in Yemen, which began in 2014, has led to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and widespread food insecurity. The roadmap is seen as the most viable path toward de-escalation and long-term stability.