The United States is exploring the possibility of recalibrating its relationship with Eritrea, including the potential easing of sanctions, as part of a broader strategic repositioning in the Red Sea region, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
Citing current and former officials, the report notes that the initiative—still under consideration—aims to reopen high-level diplomatic channels with the long-isolated state, which controls over 1,120 kilometers of Red Sea coastline.
The move comes as Washington seeks to counter growing threats to key maritime routes, particularly from Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, which have repeatedly threatened shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, as well as Iran’s signaling around restricting passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. officials believe Eritrea’s geographic position could be critical in securing alternative maritime routes essential for global trade and military transit.
As part of this outreach, U.S. envoy to Africa Massad Boulos reportedly held talks with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Foreign Minister Osman Saleh, with Egypt facilitating dialogue between the two sides.
Despite this diplomatic opening, the U.S. State Department has not confirmed concrete plans to lift sanctions, as internal deliberations within the Trump administration have slowed progress amid competing foreign policy crises, including tensions involving Iran and Gaza.
The prospect of normalization has drawn criticism in Washington. Cameron Hudson, a former intelligence and State Department official, argued that sanctions are typically lifted in response to meaningful changes in behavior—something he says Eritrea has not demonstrated.
The report also warns that any potential U.S.-Eritrea rapprochement could have wider implications for the Horn of Africa, particularly amid concerns over renewed tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea.