President Donald Trump announces halt to US bombing campaign in Yemen, citing ceasefire with Houthis.

In a surprising shift in US foreign policy, President Donald Trump has declared that the United States will cease its daily bombing campaign in Yemen, aligning with a new understanding with the Houthi militants. This announcement comes on the heels of a confirmed ceasefire brokered by Oman, marking a significant reduction in hostilities in the region. Speaking from the White House during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump stated, "The Houthis have announced to us that they don’t want to fight any more. They just don’t want to fight, and we will honour that, and we will stop the bombings." This declaration follows recent escalations, particularly the Houthis' missile attacks on shipping routes, which they justified as support for Palestinians amidst the ongoing war in Gaza. The President's assertion that the Houthis have "capitulated" and will refrain from further attacks on maritime targets raises questions about the stability and authenticity of this new peace overture. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi confirmed that both parties have agreed to a ceasefire, emphasizing that future operations would ensure no targeting of American vessels in strategic areas like the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, vital for international shipping. Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, a member of the Houthis’ Supreme Political Council, expressed caution regarding the announcement, stating that any cessation of US military actions would need to be validated on the ground. This highlights the ongoing skepticism between parties involved. The timing of this ceasefire is particularly notable, coinciding with recent Israeli military strikes on Sanaa, which have not only inflicted substantial damage on infrastructure but also have raised complex geopolitical questions. Commentary from analysts suggests that Iran's involvement might have played a critical role in convincing the Houthis to de-escalate. The Omani government has long been mediating between the US and Iran, with recent developments suggesting that the potential for revitalized nuclear talks could be incentivizing this halt in hostilities. This change in military strategy raises significant questions regarding the humanitarian implications and the broader political landscape in the region. As daily airstrikes by the US had caused extensive civilian casualties and damage, the ceasefire might offer a glint of hope for alleviating the suffering in Yemen. However, skepticism remains regarding whether all parties will adhere to this new agreement, especially with continued hostilities in neighboring Israel. In summary, while Trump’s announcement marks a crucial pivot in US foreign policy, the real impact will depend on continued engagement and verification by involved parties.