President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the US would “stop the bombings” against the Iran-backed Houthi rebel group in Yemen, after the Houthis told the US that “they don’t want to fight anymore.” “We will honor that, and we will stop the bombings,” Trump said from the Oval Office, sitting next to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. He was referring to the military campaign the US has been carrying out against the Houthis since mid-March in response to the group’s attacks on shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Israel. “They have capitulated but more importantly, we will take their word…they say they will not be blowing up ships anymore,” Trump said. A defense official confirmed to CNN that the US military had been instructed on Monday night to stand down on the strikes against the Houthis. Israel has been striking targets in Yemen this week, in response to the Houthis firing a ballistic missile on Sunday that hit Israel’s main airport. Trump’s announcement on Tuesday came after a flurry of diplomatic activity in recent days between the US, Oman, and the Houthis, according to people familiar with the matter. The understanding between the US and the Houthis not to attack each other is aimed at building momentum for Iran nuclear deal talks, the people said. The timing of the fourth round of Iran nuclear deal talks between the US and Iran remains unclear. In remarks in the Oval Office, Trump instructed his secretary of state and national security adviser Marco Rubio to “let everybody know.” Rubio described the understanding as “an important development.” “This was always a freedom of navigation issue. These are a band of individuals with advanced weaponry that were threatening global shipping and the job was to get that to stop. And if it’s going to stop, we can stop. I think it’s an important development,” Rubio said. President Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff has been leading on the Iran talks, and worked to broker a ceasefire with the Houthis over the last week, the sources said. They added that the talks were facilitated by the Omanis, who in years past have routinely served as intermediaries between the US and the Houthis. The stand down is expected to serve as momentum towards the overall US-Iran talks over an Iran nuclear deal, people familiar said. The talks with the Houthis were spurred most directly by a post on X by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who wrote last week that Iran “will pay the CONSEQUENCE at the time and place of our choosing” if they continue their “lethal support to the Houthis.” “We know exactly what you are doing,” Hegseth wrote. “You know very well what the U.S. Military is capable of.” The pause in the US military operation against the Houthis comes as the campaign has struggled since its inception. In just seven weeks, the militants have successfully shot down at least seven multi-million-dollar American drones, hindering the US’ ability to move into “phase two” of the operation, multiple US officials familiar with the matter told CNN. The impact of the strikes on the Houthis’ operations was also limited, officials previously told CNN, as they proved surprisingly resilient. CNN has asked the Houthis for comment. It’s unclear what the ceasefire between the US and the Houthis means for Israel, which has engaged in days of escalating fighting with the Iran-backed rebel group. For months, the Houthis have launched ballistic missiles and drones at Israel, most of which are intercepted by Israel’s air defense systems. And Israel has carried out several strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. But a missile on Sunday penetrated Israel’s missile shield and struck near Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport, the first missile to land so close to a critical national asset. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to respond, saying it would not be “one and done.” On Monday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a series of strikes against the port of Hodeidah in Yemen and a nearby cement factory. Then on Tuesday, the IDF carried out an even larger campaign of strikes, with the military saying it has “fully” disabled Yemen’s international airport and targeted “several” power plants. Houthi leader Mohammed al-Bukhaiti promised retaliation against the Israelis, telling Al Arabiya TV on Tuesday, “We will meet escalation with escalation.” CNN has reached out to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office for comment. CNN’s Oren Liebermann has contributed to this report.
Trump says US to stop strikes on Houthis in Yemen
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Trump Announces Halt to US Strikes on Houthis Following Ceasefire Agreement"
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TruthLens AI Summary
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would cease military strikes against the Houthi rebel group in Yemen, following a statement from the Houthis indicating their desire to end hostilities. Trump emphasized that the U.S. would honor this request, stating, "We will stop the bombings," during an address from the Oval Office alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. This decision marks a significant shift in the U.S. military's engagement in Yemen, which had been ongoing since mid-March in response to the Houthis' attacks on shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Israel. A defense official confirmed that military operations against the Houthis were instructed to stand down, coinciding with a recent escalation of military actions by Israel in Yemen after a Houthi missile struck near Tel Aviv's main airport, raising concerns about regional stability. Trump characterized the Houthis' capitulation as an important development, one that could facilitate ongoing discussions regarding a potential nuclear deal with Iran, with which the Houthis are aligned.
The announcement follows a series of diplomatic efforts involving the U.S., Oman, and the Houthis, aimed at establishing a ceasefire that could pave the way for broader negotiations over Iran's nuclear program. Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio underscored the significance of this understanding, framing it as a resolution to a critical issue regarding freedom of navigation in the region. Despite the cessation of U.S. airstrikes, tensions remain high, particularly with Israel, which has conducted retaliatory operations against the Houthis in response to missile attacks. Houthi leadership has vowed to respond to Israeli strikes, indicating that the potential for further conflict persists. The status of the ceasefire and its implications for U.S.-Iran relations, as well as the broader geopolitical landscape in the region, remain uncertain as all parties navigate the complexities of this fragile agreement.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The announcement by President Trump regarding the cessation of US strikes against the Houthi rebel group in Yemen raises several significant points for analysis. The timing and context of this decision suggest deeper diplomatic motivations, particularly in relation to ongoing negotiations about Iran's nuclear program.
Diplomatic Context and Intentions
The decision to halt bombings follows a communication from the Houthis indicating their desire to cease hostilities. Trump’s remarks imply a willingness to engage in diplomatic dialogue, framing the cessation as an act of honoring the Houthis' request. This could be seen as an effort to stabilize the region and create a conducive atmosphere for future talks regarding the Iran nuclear deal. The involvement of Oman in the negotiations indicates a broader diplomatic initiative, suggesting that the US is seeking to leverage its military actions to gain leverage in diplomatic discussions.
Public Perception and Messaging
The way the news was communicated aims to create a perception of diplomatic success. By emphasizing that the Houthis have "capitulated" and are no longer a threat, the administration is likely trying to project strength and effectiveness in foreign policy. This could resonate particularly well with audiences who prioritize peace and stability over military intervention. The framing of the Houthis as advanced weaponry users threatening global shipping also seeks to justify previous military actions while making the current ceasefire seem like a victory.
Potential Omissions and Underlying Issues
While the announcement focuses on a positive development, it may also obscure other ongoing conflicts and tensions in the region. For instance, Israel's continued military actions against Houthi targets could indicate that the situation remains volatile, potentially undermining the ceasefire's effectiveness. Additionally, there may be concerns about the implications of this move for US relations with other allies in the region who may not support a rapprochement with the Houthis.
Comparative Analysis with Other News
In the context of global news, this announcement is part of a larger narrative concerning US foreign policy in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran. Similar reports about diplomatic efforts and military engagements often emerge together, suggesting an interconnected web of geopolitical strategies. This narrative can influence public sentiment and stock market reactions, particularly regarding defense and energy sectors.
Societal and Economic Implications
The decision to halt strikes could have significant implications for regional stability. A successful ceasefire may lead to reduced tensions and create opportunities for economic recovery in Yemen, a country heavily impacted by the ongoing conflict. However, there is also the risk that a lack of military pressure on the Houthis could embolden them, leading to further escalations in violence or conflict in the region.
Support Base and Target Audience
The announcement seems aimed at a diverse audience, including those who advocate for a reduction in US military intervention overseas, as well as individuals interested in diplomatic resolutions to conflicts. It may resonate particularly well with peace activists and those critical of prolonged military engagements.
Market Impact
This news might influence the stock market, particularly sectors related to defense contracting and energy. A reduction in military actions could lead to a reassessment of risks associated with shipping routes in the Red Sea, potentially affecting oil prices and energy equities.
Geopolitical Significance
From a geopolitical perspective, halting US strikes could alter the balance of power in the region, especially concerning Iran’s influence. As the situation evolves, it will be crucial to monitor how this decision aligns with broader US strategies concerning Iran and its nuclear ambitions.
In summary, the announcement serves multiple purposes, from signaling a shift towards diplomacy to shaping public perception of US foreign policy successes. The nuances involved suggest a complex interplay between military action and diplomatic negotiations, making this news both timely and significant.