President Trump initiated a campaign to reopen shipping in the Red Sea by targeting the Houthi militant group, expecting results within 30 days of the initial strikes two months prior. By Day 31, Trump requested a progress report, but the anticipated outcomes were not realized, as the U.S. had yet to establish air superiority over the Houthis.
During this period, the Houthis shot down several American MQ-9 Reaper drones and continued to attack naval vessels in the Red Sea, including an American aircraft carrier. The U.S. military operations incurred costs of approximately $1 billion in the first month, exacerbated by the accidental loss of two F/A-18 Super Hornets from the aircraft carrier.
As dissatisfaction grew, Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, reported that Omani officials proposed a potential resolution: the U.S. would cease bombing, and the Houthis would refrain from targeting American ships, although no agreement was reached regarding disruptions to shipping perceived as beneficial to Israel. Consequently, on May 5, the White House ordered a pause in offensive operations.
In announcing the cessation of hostilities, Trump acknowledged the Houthis' resilience, stating, “We hit them very hard and they had a great ability to withstand punishment.” He also noted the Houthis' commitment to stop attacks on ships. However, the Houthis subsequently fired a ballistic missile at Israel, which was intercepted by Israeli defenses.
The abrupt declaration of victory suggested that some national security officials had underestimated the Houthis' capabilities. General Michael E. Kurilla had advocated for a robust campaign, which was initially supported by the defense secretary and national security adviser. However, the Houthis fortified their positions during the bombing campaign.
Trump's reluctance for prolonged military engagements in the Middle East was evident, as he sought to withdraw troops from conflict zones during his first term. Concerns were also raised by General Dan Caine, the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, regarding the impact of an extended campaign on military resources needed for the Asia-Pacific region.
As discussions continued, Trump signaled a desire to move forward. The White House stated that the cease-fire represented a successful negotiation for U.S. security, with the military reporting over 1,100 strikes and significant damage to Houthi capabilities.
Despite the extensive military efforts, the operation's costs were substantial, with over $1 billion spent in the first month alone. The Houthis maintained their operations, and the U.S. faced challenges in achieving definitive success metrics. Senior officials contemplated various strategies, including ramping up operations or allowing Yemeni forces to regain momentum against the Houthis.
Ultimately, Trump decided to declare the operation a success, coinciding with the Houthis proclaiming their own victory on social media, suggesting a complex and contentious outcome to the military engagement.