Despite weeks of airstrikes, the Houthi rebels have demonstrated surprising resilience.
According to U.S. officials, the campaign has been hindered by the group’s ability to shoot down at least seven U.S. drones—each worth millions of dollars.
These setbacks prevented the operation from entering its “phase two,” which was intended to more directly disrupt Houthi command and control.
The ceasefire also followed a pointed warning from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who posted on X that Iran would “pay the CONSEQUENCE” if it continued supplying the Houthis.
“We know exactly what you are doing,” Hegseth wrote. “You know very well what the U.S. Military is capable of.”
While the ceasefire between the U.S. and Houthi rebels marks a hopeful moment of de-escalation, its durability is far from guaranteed.
The Houthis have made clear that their fight with Israel will continue until the Gaza conflict ends.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military response remains forceful and ongoing. Whether this ceasefire catalyzes broader diplomatic solutions or merely offers a temporary pause remains to be seen.
