Washington/Muscat (Agencies): The United States and Yemen’s Houthis have reached a ceasefire agreement, brokered by Oman, aimed at de-escalating tensions and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, where the Iran-aligned militia has been targeting commercial shipping.
Omani authorities confirmed the agreement, stating that neither side will target the other, allowing for the smooth flow of international trade through the strategic waterway.
The announcement follows weeks of US airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen, launched in response to Houthi attacks on shipping lanes and missile strikes targeting Israel. The Houthis have been firing at Israeli and Western-linked vessels since the start of Israel’s military offensive against Hamas in Gaza in October 2023.
Earlier on Tuesday, President Donald Trump stated that the US will halt its bombing campaign against the Houthis after the group agreed to cease attacks on ships in the region. “They said please don’t bomb us any more and we’re not going to attack your ships,” Trump said during a meeting in Washington.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, there has been no immediate response from the Houthis, raising questions about whether the group will fully adhere to the agreement.
Meanwhile, Israel launched heavy airstrikes on Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, targeting the main international airport, key infrastructure, and military installations. The Israeli military stated that the airport was being used by the Houthis to transfer weapons and operatives, leading to its complete destruction. The strikes also hit power stations, communications towers, and supply depots, worsening the humanitarian situation in the region.
The attacks come in response to a Houthi missile strike near Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday, which led to flight cancellations and damage to surrounding areas. Israel has vowed continued retaliation against the Houthis, warning of further military action in the coming days.
The ceasefire deal, mediated by Oman, is seen as a critical step toward reducing hostilities in the Red Sea and preventing further escalation in the broader Middle East conflict. However, analysts warn that continued Israeli-Houthi hostilities could complicate efforts to maintain stability in the region.