ADEN, May 7, 2025 The fragile dynamics of Middle East conflict saw a fresh twist on Wednesday, as Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels confirmed they had reached a ceasefire agreement with the United States but made one thing clear: Israel is not included.
In a move that could shift the trajectory of Red Sea security and global shipping routes, the Houthi spokesperson and chief negotiator, Mohammed Abdulsalam, told Reuters that their forces would halt attacks on U.S. vessels but would not commit to sparing Israeli-linked targets.
“The agreement does not include Israel in any way, shape or form,” Abdulsalam stated firmly.
The deal comes on the heels of an announcement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed during an Oval Office meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that the Houthis had pleaded for a halt in U.S. bombings in exchange for a cessation of attacks on American ships.
“They said, ‘please don’t bomb us anymore and we’re not going to attack your ships.’ I will accept their word,” Trump declared. “Effective immediately, we’re stopping the bombing of the Houthis.”
This statement characteristically blunt raises eyebrows over the strategic depth and enforceability of the truce. Critics say the move risks emboldening the Houthis while failing to address the broader implications of their regional threat posture, especially towards Israel.
Oman’s Quiet Mediation, Iran’s Loud Applause
Oman reportedly mediated the truce behind the scenes, a role Muscat has often played in Middle East diplomacy. Iran, predictably, welcomed the development with glee. Its Foreign Ministry described the agreement as the “end of U.S. aggression” on Yemen and publicly thanked Oman for brokering peace.
Yet, this so-called “peace” may only apply partially. Abdulsalam clarified that the Houthis’ prior attacks were acts of “self-defence” in response to U.S. bombings, and that those would now cease as long as the U.S. holds its end of the bargain.
Israel Still in the Crosshairs
The glaring omission in the agreement is Israel. Since the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7, 2023, the Houthis have regularly fired missiles toward Israel and targeted vessels they claim are Israeli-owned or affiliated.
Just this week, tensions flared anew:
A Houthi missile landed near Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, drawing immediate retaliation.
Israel responded with back-to-back airstrikes on Yemen’s Hodeidah port and Sanaa International Airport.
Analysts warn that a truce with the U.S. alone may not neutralize the Houthi threat, especially with Iran likely encouraging asymmetric warfare against Israel to bolster its regional leverage.
Operation Rough Rider: Civilian Cost of U.S. Campaign
Since March 15, the U.S. has conducted over 1,000 airstrikes in Yemen under Operation Rough Rider, reportedly killing hundreds of fighters and senior Houthi figures. However, the campaign has not been without collateral damage.
On April 28, a suspected U.S. strike reportedly hit a migrant center, with Houthi media claiming 68 civilians were killed. Human rights groups have called for investigations into potential violations of international law.
The Bigger Picture: Red Sea Security & Global Trade
The Red Sea a vital corridor for 15% of global maritime trade has become increasingly militarized. Shipping disruptions caused by Houthi aggression have rattled markets and drawn international concern. While this truce may temporarily calm one front, experts fear it leaves a strategic loophole wide open: Israel remains a legitimate target in the eyes of the Houthis.
Ceasefire or Chess Move?
While Washington touts the deal as a diplomatic victory, critics see it as a tactical timeout rather than a genuine resolution. By excluding Israel, the Houthis retain the freedom to escalate the conflict at will raising the question:
Is the U.S. truce a stepping stone toward peace, or simply a pause in an evolving regional war?
Reference
Ceasefire or Strategic Pause? Houthis Agree to U.S. Deal but Exclude Israel from Truce