President Donald Trump announced Tuesday the United States would halt its airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen, citing an understanding reached with the Iranian-backed group. The decision follows nearly two months of American military action targeting the militia.
Speaking in the Oval Office before a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Mr. Trump stated the cessation of strikes would begin immediately. He said the Houthis had contacted his administration the previous night to indicate they wished to end the conflict.
The Sultanate of Oman confirmed it brokered the ceasefire agreement between Washington and Sana'a authorities. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi stated efforts resulted in a ceasefire where neither side will target the other, including American vessels in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, to ensure freedom of navigation.Mr. Trump claimed the Houthis "capitulated" but added he would take their word that they would cease attacks on international shipping, which was the stated objective of the US bombing campaign.Despite the President's assertion, Houthi officials offered a different perspective. Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a member of the Supreme Political Council, indicated the US halt would be evaluated on the ground.
Mohammed Ali al-Houthi added that Houthi operations were and remain in support of Gaza to end aggression and deliver aid, suggesting their targeting of Israel might continue.
The US military reported striking at least 800 targets in Yemen and killing hundreds of Houthis since the campaign began in March.The State Department clarified the agreement pertains specifically to Houthi actions impacting US shipping off the coast of Yemen, not their conflict with Israel. The ceasefire announcement followed recent Israeli strikes on Hodeidah port and Sanaa airport, which Israel stated were responses to Houthi attacks near Tel Aviv.
Al Jazeera reported analysis suggesting Iran may have influenced the Houthis to de-escalate. This possibility is seen as potentially linked to ongoing Omani-mediated talks between the US and Iran regarding sanctions and nuclear restrictions.
As Mohammed Ali al-Houthi put it, "Trump’s announcement of a halt to America’s aggression against Yemen will be evaluated on the ground first."
