Trump, Houthis Agree To Ceasefire, But Rebels Reject Statement That They “Capitulated”

President Trump halts the US bombing of Houthi rebels in Yemen, but questions remain about the ceasefire’s scope and the persistent threats and tensions in the Middle East.

Quick Takes

Trump ended US military strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels following Oman-brokered ceasefire discussions.
Houthi officials rejected Trump’s assertion that they “capitulated,” adding that the agreement doesn’t apply to attacks on Israel.
One report warned the Houthis may use the ceasefire to regroup, as they’ve done during previous pauses in conflict.
Iran’s support for the Houthis remains a significant concern, with Oman identified as a potential smuggling route.
The ceasefire aims to protect international shipping in the Red Sea, but Ari Heistein argues vigilance is required to prevent further threats.

Ceasefire Agreement Details

President Donald Trump announced this week that the United States would stop bombing Yemen’s Houthi rebels, saying the Iran-backed group had expressed a desire to cease fighting. The announcement follows intense diplomatic efforts led by Oman, which resulted in a ceasefire agreement between the US and the Houthi forces that have controlled much of northwestern Yemen since 2014. The agreement aims to support freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, vital shipping corridors that have seen numerous attacks on merchant vessels since November 2023.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi confirmed the terms of the arrangement, stating: “In the future, 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.” This diplomatic breakthrough follows an intensified US air campaign that began in March, reportedly resulting in over 800 strikes on Houthi targets and the deaths of hundreds of fighters and leaders according to US military reports.

Houthi Rejection of Trump’s Statement

In announcing the ceasefire agreement, Trump stated, “They just don’t want to fight, and we will honour that and we will stop the bombings, and they have capitulated.”

However, Mohammed Abdul Salam, a key Houthi representative, rejected this statement. He insisted that “what changed is the American position, but our position remains firm.” Abdul Salam was also quick to add that the agreement does not include Israel and that the group’s support for the Palestinians in Gaza “will not change.” While the Houthi rebels have stated they are acting in support of the Palestinians, according to The BBC, their claims of only targeting ships connected to Israel, the US, and the UK have often been false.

Concerns About Iran and Oman’s Role

Experts continue to express concern about Iran’s support for the Houthis, which includes training and advanced weapons. Former terrorism finance analyst at the US Department of the Treasury Jonathan Schanzer questioned Oman’s role in the agreement, saying: “To hold them up as responsible intermediaries when they are in fact hosting the very group that we’re trying to dismantle, there’s very little logic in this position.” A report from Ari Heistein for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies indicated that Omani institutions may be involved in supporting the Houthi economy and facilitating arms supplies, making the ceasefire’s enforcement challenging.

Per Fox News Digital, Heistein argued the Trump administration must remain vigilant against the threats posed by the Houthis and their international supporters. He said previous ceasefires have allowed the group to regroup and strengthen their positions. “Without a comprehensive approach to addressing the Houthi threat, the U.S. and its allies could soon be confronting a more dangerous, better-armed terrorist group,” he told the outlet.