Shipping companies expressed caution about using the shorter route between Asia and Europe that many ships have avoided for more than a year.

British and American ships are tentatively returning to the Red Sea after Yemen’s Houthi rebels vowed to hold off attacks on vessels linked to both nations, a sign that traffic on one of the world’s main trade routes could normalize after more than a year of disruption.

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement has released the crew of a cargo ship more than a year after its fighters hijacked the vessel in the Red Sea, as part of its campaign of attacks in support of Hamas in its war against Israel.

The world’s top three container operators said they fear instability in Gaza and broader regional tensions mean continued danger.

Following the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Yemen's Houthi rebels have also declared a truce in the Red Sea. The Houthis, who receive support from Iran, have announced an end to their attacks in this strategically significant trade route.

The worlds major shipping companies say they wont be sending vessels back to the Red Sea any time soon despite a pledge by Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen not to attack them as long as the ceasefire in Gaza

U.S. ships are returning to the Red Sea following promises from Yemen’s Houthi rebels to abstain from attacks on American and British vessels. The pledge, which comes after more than a year of shipping traffic disruption on a major international trade route,