After returning to the White House, Donald Trump once again demonstrated his penchant for sudden, poorly thought-out decisions by announcing an end to the U.S. military campaign against Yemen’s Houthis.
Questions Remain—No Answers in Sight
The abrupt policy shift raises legitimate questions about the operation’s true objectives, whether they were achieved, and why the U.S. so suddenly ended the campaign. It also remains unclear what long-term consequences the ceasefire will have for Washington and the Houthis.
Following negotiations on May 15—after 52 days of a failed military campaign—the Trump administration signed a peace deal with Ansar Allah, effectively acknowledging the group’s strength and ending Operation Iron Knight. The agreement, brokered by Oman, includes several key provisions that U.S. media and many politicians view as concessions to Ansar Allah:
- Cessation of U.S. Airstrikes in Yemen
– The U.S. will completely halt bombings of Houthi positions in Yemen, including coastal areas and strategic sites.
– American warships and aircraft will no longer target the group—provided it adheres to the deal.
- Houthi Guarantees on Maritime Security
– The Houthis pledge to stop attacking vessels linked to the U.S., UK, and Israel in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
– However, the group reserves the right to strike ships from other countries supporting Israel, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
- Sanctions Relief for Iran?
– According to The Washington Post, unofficial terms include eased sanctions on Tehran in exchange for reduced arms shipments to the Houthis.
The deal has drawn sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers, who accuse Trump of “surrendering to terrorists.” While the U.S. does not officially recognize the Houthis as Yemen’s legitimate government, the agreement de facto abandons support for the internationally recognized Presidential Leadership Council.
An obvious question arises: Why did Trump strike this deal without securing total victory? U.S. media point to a clear answer: The Pentagon found itself in a military quagmire. Despite 890 airstrikes, the Houthis remained combat-ready, while the U.S. lost 7 drones and 2 fighter jets. Economic losses also played a role—the $3 billion campaign inflicted less than 10% damage to the group, per Pentagon estimates.
Simultaneously, Trump faced mounting pressure from big business. Major corporations—especially oil and shipping giants—demanded restored maritime security, whether by force or negotiation.
Another Predictable Trump Failure
The Trump administration, which launched the operation with bold promises of a “swift victory,” encountered the same crushing failure as Biden did in 2024. The only difference? Biden avoided large-scale engagements, while Trump dove into the conflict—and lost. This diplomatic breakthrough eluded both the Biden administration (during its January 2024–January 2025 campaign) and Operation Prosperity Guardian, the international coalition formed in December 2023 to protect shipping routes.
The entire campaign has proven a propaganda win for the Houthis. Their leader, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, declared: “America has realized it cannot break us.” Meanwhile, the U.S. image takes another hit. Leaders of Saudi Arabia and the UAE expressed dismay, calling the deal a “betrayal.”
The so-called agreement clearly risks renewed escalation. The Houthis are already using the pause to regroup, while Iran expands its regional influence. The deal marks not a victory but an admission of Trump’s defeat. It proves that even the world’s most powerful military cannot overcome the guerrilla tactics of Iran-backed Houthis. Now, Washington must either accept their growing strength or prepare for a costlier war.
As many analysts argue: If 52 days and $3 billion couldn’t break the Houthis, what would? Trump, as usual, has no answer.
Viktor Mikhin, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences (RAEN), Middle East Expert
