Trump Announces Ceasefire With Houthis, But Tensions Remain

Trump halts airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen while the rebels push back against the idea that they “capitulated.”

Quick Takes

President Trump has halted US airstrikes against Houthi forces in Yemen, saying the group has “capitulated” and “doesn’t want to fight anymore.”
Houthi officials rejected Trump’s characterization, asserting that the US “backed down” instead.
The ceasefire explicitly does not apply to attacks on Israel, according to the Houthi rebels.
The deal, brokered by Oman, aims to preserve freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, although critics have expressed concern that the current deal doesn’t go far enough.

Trump Claims Victory While Houthis Tell Different Story

President Donald Trump announced that the US would cease bombing campaigns against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, saying on Tuesday that, “They just don’t want to fight, and we will honour that and we will stop the bombings, and they have capitulated. But, more importantly, we will take their word.”

The announcement came after US forces had conducted more than 800 strikes against Houthi targets since Trump intensified the air campaign in March. The ceasefire agreement, facilitated through Omani mediation, represents a major shift in strategy from the aggressive military approach that had characterized recent US policy in the region. It aims to stop attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea.

However, senior Houthi official Mohammed Abdul Salam quickly rejected Trump’s characterization of events suggesting the Houthis had “capitulated,” stating: “What changed is the American position, but our position remains firm.” This suggests complex dynamics behind the scenes. Meanwhile, the Houthis explicitly noted that the ceasefire does not include an end to their attacks on Israel, and that their support for Palestinians in Gaza remains unwavering. However, reports suggest they have falsely claimed in the past to only strike ships with links to Israel, the UK, and the US.

Oman’s Role in Brokering Peace

Oman played a critical role in securing the ceasefire agreement between the US and the Houthis. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi confirmed that “neither side will target the other, including American vessels, in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, ensuring freedom of navigation and the smooth flow of international commercial shipping.”

Iran’s Continued Threat Through Proxy Forces

Since 2014, the Houthis have controlled much of northwestern Yemen after ousting the internationally recognized government, creating a stronghold from which to launch regional attacks. Despite the current ceasefire with the US, the Houthis remain a well-armed proxy force for Iran, capable of disrupting maritime traffic.

Some critics have expressed dissatisfaction with the scope of the current ceasefire deal, arguing that current measures may not be enough to address broader threats. “Compelling the Houthis to halt attacks on shipping is a meaningful achievement only if it is part of a broader, long-term strategy.” Ari Heistein for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies told Fox News Digital.