On December 11, 2024, the Houthi group, classified as a terrorist organization internationally, announced their readiness to "move forward with signing the economic agreement and ensure its implementation," provided they receive certain guarantees.

This marks the first time the Houthis have publicly indicated willingness to engage since the UN envoy announced the economic agreement in July, following a meeting between Houthi Foreign Minister "Jamal Amer," UN Special Envoy economic advisor Dirk-Jan Omtzigt, and Deputy Director of the UN envoy's office in Sana'a, Mohamed Abu Ghaij.

According to the Houthi-run Saba news agency, Amer urged the UN envoy's office to secure real guarantees from those who hold decision-making power on the other side, referring to the internationally recognized Yemeni government.

Amer also pointed out that "Washington" linked the peace process in Yemen and state employee salary payments to military escalation in the Red Sea, which he claimed was a tactic to pressure Sana'a regarding its humanitarian and national stance in supporting Gaza.

He noted that the economic advisor presented a paper diagnosing various issues, which was well-received by the group, stating, "Addressing the SWIFT issue related to Kaka Bank, a technical problem, could send a message of goodwill and seriousness toward resolving the economic file."

The economic advisor confirmed that the "Office of the Envoy is working diligently and sincerely to provide a realistic action plan for addressing the economic situation in Yemen."

As of now, the office of the UN Special Envoy to Yemen has not disclosed details regarding the visit of the economic advisor to Sana'a or the outcomes of his meetings with Houthi leaders.

On July 23, the UN envoy's office stated that the government and the Houthis agreed on several measures to de-escalate tensions in the banking sector and Yemeni Airways, including the cancellation of recent decisions against banks from both sides and resuming Yemeni Airways flights between Sana'a and Jordan, as well as to Cairo and India.

The Houthis’ recent position comes amid regional developments, particularly following the Syrian opposition's announcement on December 8, 2024, of their control over Damascus and the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, marking the "beginning of a new era" for Syria. This rapid collapse of Assad's regime, a key ally of Iran, has sent shockwaves through other armed groups in the region, raising accusations that Iran has abandoned its longtime ally.

Previously, reports indicated that some Houthi leaders reacted to Assad's fall, revealing their vulnerability and confusion in the wake of this significant regional upheaval.