In a surprising turn of events, President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have agreed to halt attacks on American ships navigating the vital Red Sea corridor. The declaration, made during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office, signals a potential de-escalation in a region critical to global trade.
“We had some very good news last night, the Houthis have announced … to us that they don’t want to fight anymore,” Trump shared with reporters, describing the development as “very positive.” He elaborated, “They just don’t want to fight. And we will honor that, and we will stop the bombings, and they have capitulated, but more importantly, we will take their word [when] they say they will not be blowing up ships anymore.”
WATCH:
BREAKING: Trump just announced the U.S. will IMMEDIATELY halt bombings in Yemen after the Houthis called and surrendered.
“They don’t want to fight anymore… they have capitulated,” Trump said.
Houthi TERROR REGIME just folded. pic.twitter.com/9YgG1GLXE5
— Hananya Naftali (@HananyaNaftali) May 6, 2025
The announcement lacks immediate confirmation, and questions linger about whether the Houthis’ commitment applies solely to U.S. vessels or extends to all maritime traffic. The Red Sea, a bustling artery for oil and trade connecting Europe and Asia, sees hundreds of ships daily, making the stakes exceptionally high.
The Red Sea’s Strategic Importance
The Red Sea has been a flashpoint since October 7, 2023, when Hamas’ attack on Israel triggered a wave of Houthi assaults on passing ships. “These are a band of individuals with advanced weaponry that were threatening global shipping,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked, emphasizing the need to curb the aggression. The Houthis’ actions forced many vessels to reroute, disrupting the flow of international commerce.
In response, the Trump administration launched a series of retaliatory strikes, targeting over 800 Houthi sites in Yemen since March, according to U.S. Central Command. These operations, which intensified in recent weeks, have resulted in significant Houthi casualties. The U.S. designated the Houthis as a terrorist organization, a label reflecting their history of destabilizing actions, including their 2015 ousting of Yemen’s Western-backed government during the country’s civil war.
A Conditional Truce
The Houthis’ decision to pause attacks may stem from a mutual understanding. Last month, Houthi spokesperson Mohammed al-Bukhaiti told DropSite News, “We do not consider ourselves at war with the American people,” adding, “If the US stops targeting Yemen, we will cease our military operations against it.” This sentiment appears to have paved the way for Tuesday’s breakthrough.
The timing is notable, following an Israeli strike on Sanaa, Yemen’s capital, targeting Houthi positions in retaliation for attacks on Israel’s main international airport and power infrastructure. Trump’s announcement also precedes his upcoming Middle East tour, where he will visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The president hinted at a “very, very big” and “positive” development to be unveiled before the trip, though he kept details under wraps.
Looking Ahead
The Houthis’ control over much of Yemen, solidified after years of civil conflict, makes their cooperation pivotal for regional stability. While Trump’s optimism suggests a step toward calm, the lack of clarity on the agreement’s scope—particularly whether it protects all Red Sea traffic—leaves room for caution.
For now, the world watches as this critical waterway, and the global economy it supports, awaits a return to smoother sailing.
The Fairview Gazette will keep you up to date on any foreign policy developments from the Trump administration.
