Houthis Deny Trump’s Claim of Ceasefire in the Red Sea
The Houthi militia in Yemen has contradicted President Donald Trump’s recent statement that the group has capitulated and will cease attacking vessels transiting the Middle East trade route. Trump claimed during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that the Houthis no longer wanted to fight and that their word should be trusted.
However, the Houthis, who have targeted shipping linked to Israel since late 2023, dismissed these assertions. According to Houthi media, Yemen’s leadership confirmed that the U.S. had sent messages through Oman asking for a halt to military operations against Israel, but Yemen’s stance remains unchanged.
The conflict has kept the Red Sea-Suez Canal route highly unstable, with most container shipping lines unable to resume regular services, except for CMA CGM of France, which has maintained ongoing voyages. The Houthis, controlling about 40% of Yemen, have not attacked merchant ships since late 2024, focusing instead on missile attacks against Israel. The ongoing instability continues to threaten regional commerce and security, with international efforts aimed at de-escalation and stabilizing the vital trade corridor.
The situation remains complex, with regional powers engaging diplomatically and militarily to contain the conflict. Despite the rhetoric of ceasefire, recent military movements and attacks suggest that tensions are still high, and the security situation in the Red Sea and surrounding areas remains volatile.
