Diplomatic Breakthrough: Oman Mediates U.S.-Houthi Agreement

In a surprising turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States will cease military actions against Houthi targets in Yemen, following a significant escalation in conflict marked by recent Israeli strikes. This announcement has left many in Israel and the international community puzzled, especially given the lack of prior coordination regarding U.S. involvement in the Houthi conflict.

Recent Israeli Military Actions

On May 5, 2025, Israel conducted airstrikes in Yemen, marking a notable escalation in the ongoing conflict. These attacks occurred less than 24 hours after Israel targeted the port city of Hodeidah in retaliation for a missile launch that landed near Terminal 3 at Ben Gurion Airport, attributed to the Houthi rebels.

U.S. Policy Shift

Following the Israeli strikes, President Trump declared that U.S. military operations against the Houthis would be halted. This policy shift is particularly significant given recent reports indicating a sustained American campaign against the Houthi movement, as Trump previously expressed intentions to significantly weaken Houthi capabilities.

Oman’s Role as a Mediator

The catalyst for this unexpected diplomatic development appears to be the Sultanate of Oman, which has successfully facilitated negotiations between the U.S. and the Houthis. The Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement indicating that negotiations held in Muscat led to an agreement for a ceasefire between the conflicting parties. An official spokesperson emphasized that both sides agreed to refrain from targeting start another moving forward, ensuring safe passage for international shipping in key maritime routes.

Houthi Reaction

Despite the announcement from the U.S. and Oman, the Houthis have expressed skepticism. A representative for the Houthi movement declared that Trump’s statement was “inaccurate” and warned that they do not intend to halt attacks in the Red Sea.

Diplomatic Implications

Sources familiar with the negotiations revealed that White House envoy Steve Witkoff played a crucial role in brokering the ceasefire agreement. Oman, gradually establishing itself as a regional power broker, has previously acted as a facilitator in negotiations not only between the U.S. and the Houthis but also in discussions with Iran, particularly concerning its nuclear program.

Recent dialogues between Trump and Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said have rekindled hopes for renewed U.S.-Iran relations, with much of the discourse centered on the future of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

As the situation evolves, the effectiveness of the ceasefire agreement and its potential impact on regional stability remains to be seen