U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly suspended a planned military operation in the Strait of Hormuz, known as “Project Freedom,” citing what he described as “great progress” in talks with Iran.
However, according to a report published Thursday by NBC News, the decision was also influenced by the refusal of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to allow the United States to use their airspace and military facilities for the operation.
The report said Saudi Arabia declined Washington’s request to use the Prince Sultan Air Base, located southeast of Riyadh, and also denied permission for American aircraft to fly through Saudi airspace.
According to NBC News, President Trump held a phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, but the two sides failed to reach an agreement on the issue.
A Saudi official told NBC News, “The problem is that everything is happening very quickly.” The official added that Riyadh supports Pakistan’s diplomatic mediation efforts between the United States and Iran.
Meanwhile, a White House official claimed that regional allies had been informed in advance about the planned operation. However, a Middle Eastern diplomat told NBC News that the United States only contacted Oman after Trump publicly announced the plan.
“The United States made the announcement first and coordinated with us afterward. But we are not upset about it,” the diplomat said.
The report further stated that Trump’s sudden announcement on social media on Sunday afternoon frustrated and angered Saudi leaders. Shortly afterward, Riyadh informed Washington that it would not support the operation.
A Trump administration official also confirmed that Kuwait, alongside Saudi Arabia, blocked the use of American military bases and airspace in their territories for the proposed mission.
Separately, Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization announced Thursday that Tehran is fully prepared to provide technical and other necessary support to commercial vessels operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
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