U.S. President Donald Trump Announces Ceasefire with Houthis
In a major development on the global stage, U.S. President Donald Trump held a press event today where he announced that the Houthi rebels have agreed to halt their attacks on ships, and in return, the United States will suspend its retaliatory airstrikes. This decision marks a turning point in months of escalating tensions and military confrontations in the Red Sea and surrounding regions.
Key Announcement: Houthis Agree to Stop Attacks
President Trump opened the press conference with what he described as “very good news.” According to Trump, the Houthis, a rebel group operating primarily out of Yemen, communicated their intention to cease hostilities and stop targeting commercial and military ships.
“We had some very good news last night. The Houthis have announced that they are not, or at least they’ve told us they don’t want to fight anymore. They just don’t want to fight, and we will honor that,” Trump stated. This announcement came after U.S. airstrikes had severely weakened the Houthis’ military capabilities, reportedly reducing them by about 30 percent.
U.S. Will Halt Bombing Campaign
In light of the Houthis’ declaration, President Trump announced that the United States will stop its ongoing airstrikes. “They have capitulated, but more importantly, we will take their word. They say they will not be blowing up ships anymore. And that’s what the purpose of what we were doing, so that’s just news, we just found out about that,” Trump added.
This statement followed a period of intense military action by the U.S., which included continuous airstrikes since mid-March. Trump emphasized that the primary aim of the U.S. military operations was to protect international shipping routes and ensure safe passage through key maritime corridors.
Background: Houthi Attacks on Shipping Lanes
The Houthis had been launching repeated missile and drone strikes against both commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. Their leadership claimed that these attacks were part of a larger effort to pressure Israel to end its military campaign against Hamas in Gaza.
Between November 2023 and January 2024, the Houthis targeted over 100 merchant ships, sinking two and causing the deaths of four sailors. The attacks caused massive disruptions in the Red Sea corridor, a vital global trade route through which approximately $1 trillion worth of goods typically pass each year. This disruption threatened to destabilize international commerce and prompted an urgent military response from the United States.
U.S. Military Response: Operation Rough Rider
In March, the Trump administration launched a large-scale military campaign against Houthi targets in Yemen. Initially, the Houthis paused their attacks under a self-imposed ceasefire. However, when the U.S. escalated its military actions in mid-March, the conflict reignited.
The U.S. military, under Central Command, described its efforts as an “intense and sustained campaign.” According to official statements, more than 1,000 targets were struck in Yemen since the launch of Operation Rough Rider. While specific details on the targets were not disclosed, the campaign aimed to degrade the Houthis’ capacity to threaten maritime shipping routes.
Trump’s Ultimatum and Iran’s Role
The ceasefire announcement came just hours after President Trump issued a firm ultimatum to Iran, adding another layer of complexity to the region’s geopolitical tensions. Although Trump did not elaborate on the ultimatum, it’s clear that Iran’s influence over the Houthis and other proxy groups in the region has been a central concern for the U.S. administration.
Positive Outlook and Acceptance of Houthi Assurances
President Trump expressed optimism about the Houthis’ promise to end their attacks. “I think it’s very, very positive. They were knocking out a lot of ships… It wasn’t just the canal, it was a lot of other places, and I will accept their word,” Trump said. This shift in tone represents a significant change in U.S. policy, which had previously leaned heavily on military force to deter Houthi aggression.
Other Topics: Tariffs, China, and Upcoming Announcement
While the press conference primarily focused on the Middle East ceasefire, Trump also addressed several other key issues. He touched on U.S.-Canada relations and ongoing tariff disputes, particularly with China. Trump claimed that Chinese ships loaded with goods are “turning around in the Pacific Ocean,” suggesting that trade tensions remain high.
Perhaps the most intriguing part of the press conference came when Trump teased a forthcoming “major announcement.” Without revealing details, the President hinted that he would make this announcement on Thursday or Friday, just before his upcoming trip to the Middle East. “It will be one of the most important announcements that have been made in many years about a certain subject,” Trump said, piquing the interest of both reporters and the public.
Impact on Global Trade and Regional Stability
The decision by the Houthis to halt attacks, coupled with the U.S. suspension of airstrikes, has the potential to significantly stabilize the region and restore the free flow of commerce through the Red Sea. Given that the Red Sea is a crucial trade artery connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, uninterrupted shipping is vital to the global economy.
The ceasefire also reduces the risk of further military escalation, not just between the U.S. and the Houthis but potentially involving Iran and other regional actors. Whether the Houthis will stick to their commitment remains to be seen, but for now, the international community will be watching closely.
Summary of Key Points:
- Houthis agree to stop attacks on ships; U.S. halts airstrikes.
- Trump describes the agreement as “very positive.”
- Houthis’ prior attacks sank two ships, killed four sailors, and disrupted $1 trillion in trade.
- U.S. launched Operation Rough Rider, striking over 1,000 targets in Yemen.
- Trump hints at a major announcement before Middle East trip.
- U.S.-China trade tensions and Canadian relations also addressed.
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