President Trump halts US airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen amid a reported ceasefire, but experts warn this might allow the terrorist group to regroup and strengthen with Iranian support.
At a Glance
- President Trump has suspended US bombing campaigns against Houthi rebels in Yemen, claiming they “don’t want to fight anymore”
- Oman facilitated ceasefire discussions between the US and Houthis, though the deal doesn’t include an end to Houthi attacks on Israel
- Security experts warn that previous ceasefires have allowed Houthis to regroup, with Iran continuing to provide weapons and training
- The US conducted over 800 strikes on Houthi targets before the ceasefire, reportedly killing hundreds of fighters and leaders
- Analysts recommend a comprehensive long-term strategy combining military, economic, diplomatic, and soft power approaches
Trump Announces Halt to Military Operations
President Donald Trump announced a suspension of US bombing operations against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, claiming the group has “capitulated” and no longer wants to fight. The announcement follows months of escalating US military action that included over 800 strikes on Houthi targets since March. Trump’s declaration marks a significant shift in military strategy in a conflict that has disrupted global shipping routes through the vital Red Sea corridor.
The ceasefire arrangement was reportedly brokered by Oman, which has served as an intermediary between the US and various regional actors. According to the Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, under the agreement, “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.” However, the deal apparently does not include an end to Houthi attacks on Israeli targets.
Houthis Reject “Capitulation” Narrative
Despite Trump’s assertion that the Houthis have backed down, senior Houthi officials have presented a different perspective. Mohammed Abdul Salam, a high-ranking Houthi spokesman, rejected Trump’s characterization, stating: “What changed is the American position, but our position remains firm.” This contradictory messaging raises questions about the true nature and durability of the agreement, especially as the Houthis continue to express support for Palestinians in Gaza and maintain their anti-Israel stance.
The Houthis have controlled much of northwestern Yemen since 2014, when they ousted the internationally recognized government, triggering a devastating civil war. Since November 2023, they have targeted merchant vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, claiming these actions support Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas conflict. These attacks have continued despite Western military deployments and US strikes aimed at deterring such activities.
Concerns About Iran’s Ongoing Support
Security analysts have raised serious concerns about Iran’s continued support for the Houthis, which includes training, advanced weapons systems, and smuggling networks. Reports indicate that Iranian arms have been flowing to the Houthis through Omani territory since 2014, with Omani institutions allegedly involved in supporting both the Houthi economy and their weapons supply chain. This ongoing assistance from Iran could allow the Houthis to use the ceasefire period to rebuild and strengthen their capabilities.
The history of previous ceasefires with the Houthis suggests reason for caution. In multiple instances, the group has used temporary truces to regroup and strengthen their position. This pattern has led experts to warn that a Red Sea ceasefire should only be implemented as part of a broader strategy that prevents empowering the terrorist organization and addresses the fundamental security challenges they present to the region.
Need for a Comprehensive Strategy
Security analysts emphasize that military operations alone cannot resolve the complex situation in Yemen. A recent report suggests the need for a comprehensive approach that combines military, economic, diplomatic, and soft power measures to effectively counter the Houthi threat. Such a strategy would address the underlying drivers of conflict while simultaneously working to diminish Iran’s influence over the group.
Meanwhile, tension remains high as Israel has conducted its own strikes against Houthi infrastructure, including Sanaa’s airport, in response to missile attacks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that his country will continue to defend itself, stating, “I have said many times that whoever attacks the State of Israel will pay the price.” This indicates that while the US may have paused its military activities against the Houthis, regional conflict involving the group is far from resolved.
