President Donald Trump welcomes a sudden shift in Yemen's ongoing maritime conflict during Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's White House visit.

According to The Western Journal, Trump announced that Houthi rebels had communicated their intention to cease attacks on Red Sea shipping routes, prompting an immediate halt to US military operations against their positions.

The dramatic development comes after weeks of intense US military strikes that targeted over 1,000 Houthi positions since March 15. The campaign began when the Iran-backed group resumed their attacks following a brief pause in hostilities. Trump emphasized the Houthis' commitment to ending their maritime offensive, which had severely disrupted global shipping operations.

US Military campaign brings Houthi surrender

Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the conflict as primarily centered on protecting freedom of navigation. The extensive bombing campaign aimed to neutralize the advanced weaponry threatening international maritime commerce. The Houthis' decision to negotiate marks a significant victory for US military strategy.

Trump detailed the rebels' communication, revealing their straightforward request to end the bombing in exchange for ceasing ship attacks. The administration's swift acceptance of these terms demonstrates their confidence in the agreement's effectiveness.

However, the Houthis have yet to make any public statement confirming their capitulation. This silence raises questions about the agreement's implementation and durability.

Israeli retaliation complicates peace prospects

Despite the potential US-Houthi ceasefire, regional tensions remain high as Israel launched retaliatory strikes against Yemen. The Israeli military action followed a Houthi missile landing near Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday.

Before Trump's announcement, the Houthis issued a defiant statement regarding their commitment to supporting Palestinians in Gaza. They framed their campaign as a "holy war" against what they termed an "Israeli-American-British" enemy.

Trump's remarks included:

The Houthis have announced that they are not — they have announced to us at least, that they don't want to fight anymore. They just don't want to fight. We will honor that. That's news we just found out about. We will stop the bombings, and they have capitulated, but more importantly, we will take their word. They say they will not be blowing up ships any more.

Yemen conflict resolution takes shape

The Houthi attacks originated in response to Israel's military operations in Gaza following Hamas's October 2023 assault on Israeli civilians. The maritime campaign significantly impacted global shipping routes and international commerce.

The US military response demonstrated America's commitment to protecting vital shipping lanes. Their systematic targeting of Houthi military capabilities proved effective in bringing the group to the negotiating table. The timing of Israel's separate military action against Yemen creates additional complexity for regional stability. These developments highlight the intricate nature of Middle Eastern geopolitics.

Strategic breakthrough reshapes regional dynamics

The cessation of Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping represents a major diplomatic and military achievement for the Trump administration. The agreement emerged from intensive US military operations that systematically degraded Houthi combat capabilities in Yemen.

The resolution addresses immediate maritime security concerns while leaving broader regional issues unresolved. The situation remains dynamic, with Israel's military engagement and ongoing Gaza conflict potentially influencing the durability of the US-Houthi agreement. Implementation details and verification mechanisms will be crucial for maintaining this newfound stability in one of the world's most critical shipping corridors.