US-Houthi Ceasefire Starts May 6 Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions

The United States and the Houthis reached a surprise ceasefire agreement on May 6, ending 52 days of intensive U.S. airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. U.S. intelligence had detected signs of Houthi fatigue and a desire to negotiate, with the group reaching out to U.S. allies and Omani mediators facilitating indirect talks. The ceasefire, which halts attacks on U.S. vessels in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait, was hailed as a significant de-escalation amid ongoing regional tensions involving attacks and retaliations between Houthis and Israel. Despite the ceasefire, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, emphasized that Yemen still faces immense challenges, including deep mistrust between parties, economic collapse, and arbitrary detentions by the Houthis, indicating that the situation is not yet peaceful. The agreement, brokered with Oman's mediation, provides an opportunity to refocus on a Yemeni-owned peace process, though continued international engagement is deemed essential for lasting stability. The Trump administration's unconventional approach notably excluded informing Israel prior to the agreement, underscoring the complex regional dynamics involved.