President Trump announced the end of U.S. airstrikes on Yemen’s Houthis, claiming they have “capitulated” and agreed to stop attacking ships in the Red Sea. The move marks a key foreign policy moment amid ongoing conflicts involving Russia, Iran, and Hamas.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the United States will halt its bombing campaign against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, stating that the group has “capitulated” and agreed to cease attacks on maritime vessels in the Red Sea.
Speaking during a joint press briefing at the White House with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, President Trump said the Houthis had communicated their intention to stop hostilities.
“The Houthis have announced that they are not—or they’ve announced to us at least—they don’t want to fight anymore. They just don’t want to fight,” Trump said. “And we will honour that, and we will stop the bombings.”
He added, “They have capitulated,” noting that the information came from “a very good source,” though he declined to provide specific details.
The decision signals a pause in what had become an intense and sustained bombing campaign by the U.S. military, aimed at preventing the Houthis from disrupting critical maritime trade through the Red Sea. The Houthis had been targeting vessels in the region since November 2023, claiming to act in solidarity with Hamas and Gaza following Israel’s retaliatory actions after the November 9 terrorist attacks.
Under the Biden administration, initial U.S. strikes were described as “defensive actions.” However, the Trump administration significantly escalated these operations since taking office.
Trump’s announcement is being viewed as a potential win on the foreign policy front, where other efforts have faced delays. His pledge to end the Russia-Ukraine war on day one remains unfulfilled after more than 100 days in office. Likewise, negotiations with Iran have progressed slowly, and the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, with several hostages yet to be released.
Still, the reported Houthi surrender could ease tensions in the Red Sea region and allow for more secure international trade routes.
“This is very, very positive,” Trump remarked, referring to the development as a turning point after months of escalating conflict.
Analysts say the outcome may bolster Trump’s diplomatic credentials as he navigates a challenging international landscape, although much will depend on whether the Houthis maintain their commitment to ending attacks.
