U.S.-Houthi Ceasefire Confirmed by Oman; No Attacks by Either Side
Revised Article:
United States President Donald Trump declared an end to the nation's daily bombing campaign in Yemen, following a truce arranged through Oman mediations between Washington and the Houthis.
Trump shared the news during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, stating, "The Houthis have said they don't want to fight anymore. We'll honor that, and we'll stop the bombings."
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The Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran, claimed to have abandoned aggression and promised to stop attacks on shipping. These actions were prompted by attacks they conducted in October 2023 during the Gaza war, ostensibly to support Palestinians.
"I will take their word, and we will be stopping the bombing of Houthis, effective immediately," said Trump.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi announced that the two parties had agreed to a ceasefire. In a post on social media, he wrote, "Efforts conducted by the Sultanate of Oman with the United States and relevant authorities in Sana'a, Yemen, have resulted in a ceasefire agreement between the two sides."
The agreement stipulates that neither side will target the other, including American vessels, in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, securing freedom of navigation and the smooth flow of international commercial shipping.
Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a member of the Houthis' Supreme Political Council, wrote that this truce would be evaluated "on the ground first." He also hinted that the group might not halt its attacks on Israel.
It's interesting to note that the US military has been carrying out daily air strikes across Yemen for nearly two months, causing massive infrastructure damage and numerous casualties, including women and children.
It's also worth mentioning that the backdrop to this ceasefire is a complex web of recent military escalations. In March 2025, the United States intensified airstrikes against the Houthis, employing Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect shipping in the Red Sea[2][3]. The Houthis retaliated by attacking shipping lanes in support of Palestinians following the start of the Israel-Hamas war[3].
Oman, recognizing the need for de-escalation, stepped in as a mediator, hoping to demonstrate its capabilities as a mediator in the region[3][4]. The details of the ceasefire agreement are crucial for ensuring the freedom of navigation for international commercial shipping, a key interest for both Oman and the international community[4][5].
The success of Oman's mediation could potentially ease tensions and facilitate further dialogue, particularly in the more complex Iran-US nuclear discussions[1][3]. It's unclear how Iran will react to the ceasefire, but it's clear that regional tensions and the desire to protect its own interests will play a role in their response[1].
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[1] The Wall Street Journal
[2] CNN
[3] Reuters
[4] The National
[5] Al Jazeera
- The ceasefire in Yemen, mediated by Oman, may provide a pathway for easing tensions, potentially influencing the Iran-US nuclear discussions.
- The Houthi rebels have claimed to abandon aggression and stop attacks on shipping, following their actions during the Gaza war in October 2023.
- The agreement between the United States and the Houthis, as part of the ceasefire, includes a commitment that neither side will target the other or American vessels in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait.
- The end of the U.S. daily bombing campaign in Yemen, as announced by President Trump, comes at a time when the international community is closely watching the region, particularly in the context of war-and-conflicts and politics.
- The success of Oman's mediation could have far-reaching implications, including securing freedom of navigation for international commercial shipping and reducing naval skirmishes, such as those involving Israel. Sanctions on the Houthis, such as those being considered by the United Nations, may also be reevaluated in light of this ceasefire.
