The Power of Pressure: Bombs First, Bargains Later

Before we even talk about ceasefires and diplomacy, let’s be honest about what got the Houthis to the negotiating table in the first place: raw, decisive American firepower. Over the course of just two months, President Trump authorized a ferocious air campaign against over 800 Houthi military targets. This wasn’t some symbolic slap on the wrist. This was a calculated dismantling of a proxy terror network threatening one of the most strategically vital waterways in the world—the Red Sea.

The Houthis, backed and armed by Iran, had been escalating their attacks on commercial vessels, including U.S.-flagged ships, pushing the region toward wider conflict. They gambled that the U.S. wouldn’t respond decisively.

They lost that bet.

This administration’s bombing campaign didn’t just slow down the Houthis—it disoriented them. It forced their hand. The agreement to stop targeting American assets didn’t materialize out of some newfound desire for peace—it was a survival tactic. As Proverbs 20:26 says, “A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.” That’s what President Trump did—scattered the wicked.

Why a Ceasefire Makes Sense (For Now)

1. Protecting Global Commerce
The Red Sea isn’t just a regional concern. It’s one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, connecting Europe to Asia. When Houthi drones and missiles started lighting up this corridor, global trade took a hit. Higher shipping costs, delayed goods, rising energy prices—it’s the kind of thing that starts in the Middle East and ends up costing American families at the gas pump and grocery store. By securing a ceasefire, President Trump isn’t just protecting ships—he’s protecting American wallets.

2. Avoiding Endless Military Entanglement
Conservatives have long warned about the dangers of endless foreign wars. While military strength is essential, endless intervention is not. We were dragged into that cycle in Afghanistan, and we paid a high price. President Trump understands the importance of striking a balance: hit hard when necessary, but don’t overextend. Ending the bombing—after it served its purpose—reflects restraint, not retreat.

3. Redeploying Focus to Bigger Threats
Let’s not kid ourselves—while the Houthis are dangerous, they’re not China. They’re not Russia. They’re not the cartel-run chaos pouring over our southern border. With the U.S. military stretched across multiple theaters, this decision gives us breathing room to pivot attention where it’s needed most—whether that’s the South China Sea or Texas.

Why Some Are Right to Be Skeptical

1. The Houthis Haven’t Put Down Their Weapons
Here’s the biggest red flag: the ceasefire only applies to U.S. interests. The Houthis are still threatening Israel, launching rockets, and running their mouths with the same “Death to America” rhetoric as always. This ceasefire is tactical, not transformational. It’s like putting a Band-Aid on a bullet wound. The threat is still there—it’s just taking a smoke break.

2. Mixed Messages to Iran
Iran is the puppet master here, and if they see the U.S. pulling back, even temporarily, they’ll use it to bolster their narrative of “resistance.” Remember, Iran thrives on propaganda. While we see a strategic pause, Tehran may spin it as American indecision. That’s dangerous in a region where perception often matters more than reality.

3. Undermining Allied Unity
Israel, Saudi Arabia, and others in the region didn’t get a heads-up before this decision. That’s a problem. Our allies need to trust that America won’t cut deals behind their backs—especially deals with actors who are still targeting them. A ceasefire with one hand while our partners are still under fire with the other can cause serious trust issues.

A Time for War, A Time for Peace

The Christian conservative worldview is not, nor should it be, pacifist. The Bible makes clear distinctions between unjust aggression and righteous defense. Ecclesiastes 3:8 reminds us: “A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” Our Lord is not against just war. In fact, Romans 13 makes it clear that governments bear the sword for a reason—to punish evil.

But the sword should be used with wisdom.

President Trump showed strength first, then agreed to peace. That’s not weakness—it’s moral clarity paired with strategic thinking. He didn’t rush to negotiate from a place of fear or appeasement, like we’ve seen in past administrations. He brought overwhelming force to bear, and only after the enemy reeled did he shift to diplomacy.

A Bold, Conditional Victory

This ceasefire represents an acceptable and prudent move—but only if it’s followed by vigilance. We’ve seen far too many ceasefires turn into mere breathing spells for terrorists and tyrants. The Trump administration must make clear that any Houthi backsliding will be met with swift retribution.

This is what “peace through strength” looks like: You strike hard, make your enemy think twice, and then, when you’re holding all the cards, you offer peace. Not because you have to. But because you can.

And if they break it? Well, we’ve still got 800 more bombs—and then some.