The United States recognized the People's Republic of South Yemen in 1967 and moved to establish diplomatic relations.

A U.S. embassy in Aden was established on December 7, 1967, with William L. Eagleton, Jr., as Chargé d'Affaires ad interim.

An American ambassador had not yet been appointed for South Yemen and Eagleton was still serving as the chargé d'affaires when relations were severed.

On December 1, 1970, the regime changed the name of the country to the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen.

The United States resumed diplomatic relations with the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen on April 30, 1990.