The U.S. airstrikes against the Houthis were triggered by ongoing Houthi attacks on commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea, as well as missile strikes targeting Israel and threats to international shipping lanes. President Trump ordered the Pentagon to draw up and execute strike plans following these provocations, aiming to protect freedom of navigation and counter threats to American interests in the region[5][1].

As of now, the Houthis have not publicly confirmed the ceasefire agreement with the U.S. President Trump stated the Houthis indicated they do not want to fight anymore and promised to stop attacking ships, but official confirmation from the group is lacking[2][4].

Oman, which borders Yemen, brokered the ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and the Houthis. Oman's foreign minister publicly announced the agreement, stating that in the future, neither side will target the other, including American vessels, ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait[1][2].

Recent events, including the escalation of Houthi attacks on vessels and subsequent U.S. airstrikes, have disrupted commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The ceasefire agreement is intended to restore freedom of navigation and ensure the smooth flow of international commercial shipping in the region[1][2].

The ceasefire between the U.S. and the Houthis has implications for U.S.-Iran relations, as Iran is a key supporter of the Houthi movement. Observers are skeptical about the agreement's sustainability and note that continued Houthi hostility, including attacks on Israel or U.S. interests, could further strain U.S.-Iran relations and regional stability[1][4].