A view shows destruction on the Sana'a International Airport a day after it was targeted by aerial ... More attacks carried out by Israeli war jets, on May 7, 2025 in Sana'a, Yemen. Houthi authorities said at least three people died in Israel's attack on the capital's main airport, which the Israeli military said was "fully disabled" by the strike. (Footage by Mohammed Hamoud/Getty Images)

Mere hours after Israel retaliated against a Houthi missile strike on Tel Aviv airport with airstrikes in Yemen, President Donald Trump announced a surprise ceasefire with the group, halting a two-month American air campaign. The move could leave Israel essentially alone when it comes to retaliating against the occasional Houthi missile and drone attacks that manage to get through Israel’s sophisticated air defenses.

Trump announced a halt to the U.S. anti-Houthi air campaign, codenamed Operation Rough Rider, “effective immediately” on Tuesday. The president said the Houthis agreed to stop attacking shipping vessels in the Red Sea. Oman confirmed it mediated the ceasefire shortly after. Saudi Arabia also lobbied for a truce before Trump’s May 13-16 visit to the region.

Mohammed Al-Basha of the Basha Report, a Virginia-based risk advisory firm, believes the best way to understand this development is “through the lens” of Trump’s “America First” foreign........

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