Under Oman's mediation, the United States and the Yemeni Houthi forces have reached a significant ceasefire agreement. According to the agreement, both parties will cease all forms of hostilities, especially attacks on American ships in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, to ensure the smooth operation of international waterways and the safety of global trade transport.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr announced the agreement on the 6th, expressing gratitude for the constructive attitude shown by all parties. He stated that he hopes this agreement will not only stabilize the current tense situation but also lay the groundwork for peace in resolving other complex regional issues, achieving justice and prosperity.
U.S. President Trump subsequently confirmed that the U.S. military will suspend air strikes on Houthi forces. A Pentagon official added that the U.S. military received the relevant orders on Monday night, officially halting attacks on Houthi targets.
U.S. Secretary of State Rubio said the agreement essentially concerns the core issue of "freedom of navigation." The Houthi forces had previously posed a threat to global shipping, and this ceasefire is a key step by the United States towards restoring maritime security.
Although Houthi leader Mohammed Ali Houthi acknowledged the ceasefire's validity, he also warned that as long as Israel continues its military actions in Gaza, the Houthis will maintain military pressure on Israel. This stance leaves uncertainty over the broader regional sustainability of the ceasefire.
Trump responded by saying that if the Houthis continue attacking Israel, the United States will consult with both the Israeli government and the Houthis to decide on a response strategy. However, Israeli officials pointed out that before the U.S. announced the ceasefire, Israel had not been notified in advance and had launched a series of large-scale airstrikes on Houthi targets just hours prior.
Insiders reveal that there are deeper strategic considerations behind the U.S. push for a ceasefire arrangement with the Houthis. On one hand, it paves the way for the resumption of nuclear negotiations with Iran. So far, the U.S. and Iran have completed three rounds of talks, with the fourth round yet to be scheduled. As an important proxy force for Iran in the region, the Houthi ceasefire may help ease U.S.-Iran relations and find a breakthrough for the Iran nuclear issue.
On the other hand, the U.S. is also under actual military pressure. According to several U.S. officials, in just the past seven weeks, the Houthi forces have shot down at least seven high-value U.S. military drones, challenging the U.S. tactical capabilities. Despite multiple military strikes by the U.S., the Houthis have shown strong resilience and organizational stamina.
With the achievement of the ceasefire agreement, tensions in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait are expected to ease. However, considering the complexity of regional conflicts and the dynamics of multiple parties, whether the ceasefire can be maintained in the long term remains to be seen.
