Trump Signals Shift in U.S. Military Strategy Towards Houthis Amid Diplomatic Talks

In an unexpected announcement, President Trump stated that the U.S. will stop bombings of the Houthi militia following claims from the group that they are looking to cease hostilities. However, clarifications from Houthi officials suggest continued military operations in support of Gaza, casting doubt on the potential for peace.

President Trump declared on Tuesday that the United States will end its bombing campaign against the Houthi militia in Yemen, citing the group's claims that they no longer wish to engage in conflict. The announcement came during a meeting with the Canadian prime minister at the White House, where Trump stated, “They just don’t want to fight. We will honor that and we will stop the bombings. They have capitulated.” However, skeptics remain, questioning the Houthis' sincerity.

Following Trump's comments, Houthi leader Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti indicated that while the militia would refrain from attacking U.S. military assets, they would continue their operations supporting Gaza until Israel ends its siege. This duality raises concerns about whether the Houthis will truly cease their disruptions to international shipping, a primary goal of the U.S. bombing campaign.

Experts express doubt over the Houthis’ alleged willingness to cease hostilities, with Gregory Johnsen, a former member of the U.N. Security Council's Panel of Experts on Yemen, stating, “I’m skeptical that the Houthis no longer want to fight.” He noted that while there might have been private discussions to avoid targeting U.S. interests, it is unclear whether this translates into genuine cessation of their military actions.

This development marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Middle East relations, as the outcome of this diplomatic overture could reshape the contours of ongoing conflicts in the region. The effectiveness and longevity of this proposed cessation of hostilities remains to be seen as the situation continues to evolve.