President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the United States will immediately stop its bombing campaign against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. In exchange, the Houthis have agreed to cease their attacks on ships in the Red Sea. During a meeting in the Oval Office with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump stated, “They said, at least to us, that they don’t want to fight anymore.” He emphasized that the U.S. would honor this commitment and halt the bombings.
However, the announcement raised several questions. Trump did not clarify whether the Houthis’ promise referred specifically to American ships or all vessels in the region. His comments suggested a focus on American interests, as he did not mention any commitment from the Houthis regarding attacks on Israel. This lack of mention surprised Israeli leaders, who appeared unprepared for the U.S. shift.
The situation has become more intriguing with the involvement of Oman. The Omani Foreign Minister, Badr Albusaidi, revealed that Oman played a key role in mediating between the Houthis and the U.S. Oman has also facilitated U.S. talks with Iran, the Houthis’ primary supporter. Reports indicate that Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, was instrumental in negotiating the deal through Oman.
The U.S. military campaign against the Houthis had intensified since March, aiming to deter their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. This campaign led to significant civilian casualties, including a strike on a migrant center that reportedly killed 68 people. Despite the U.S. efforts, the Houthis continued their attacks on ships and escalated hostilities against U.S. warships.
Trump’s decision to halt the bombings could be seen as a pragmatic move. It acknowledges the reality that the military campaign was not yielding the desired results and was instead leading to increased civilian suffering and political fallout for his administration.
This decision may also pave the way for renewed negotiations with Iran. Although the Houthis cannot be labeled as direct proxies of Iran, they do receive substantial support from Tehran. By stopping the bombings, Trump may be signaling a willingness to engage Iran in broader discussions, potentially linking Houthi de-escalation to a larger agreement concerning Iran’s nuclear program and regional actions.
Importantly, the deal with the Houthis does not appear to extend to Israel. The Houthis have maintained their attacks on Israeli targets, and Trump’s announcement did not include any assurances for Israeli security. This suggests a deliberate choice to prioritize U.S. security interests over broader regional conflicts.
While this approach aligns with Trump’s campaign promises to avoid entanglement in foreign wars, risks remain. The Houthis’ commitment to cease attacks is yet to be tested, and without a mechanism to ensure compliance, the situation could deteriorate. Additionally, ongoing violence in Gaza and the Houthis’ resolve to support Palestinians complicate the landscape.
In summary, Trump’s decision to halt bombings in Yemen represents a significant shift in U.S. policy. It reflects a focus on American interests and a desire to reduce unnecessary violence. By stepping back from military action, Trump has opened the door for potential diplomatic engagement with Iran while keeping Israel’s conflicts at a distance.