- Trump paused “Project Freedom” after resistance from Gulf allies.
- Saudi Arabia reportedly restricted US access to bases and airspace.
- A phone call between Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman failed.
- Kuwait also reportedly denied access for the proposed mission.
- The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked as talks with Iran continue.
President Donald Trump abruptly stopped plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz through a US military operation after key allies, especially Saudi Arabia, reportedly pushed back against the strategy.
The proposed operation, called 'Project Freedom,' was designed to escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping in the area had been heavily disrupted during the Iran-US conflict. The operation was meant to restore safe movement through one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.
However, regional allies reportedly feared that the plan could increase tensions in West Asia. According to reports, Saudi Arabia restricted US access to important bases and airspace. This forced Washington to reconsider the operation.
When asked whether the announcement of Project Freedom surprised Saudi leaders, a Saudi source told NBC News, “The problem with that premise is that things are happening quickly in real time.”
The same source said Saudi Arabia was “very supportive of the diplomatic efforts” by Pakistan to help broker a deal between Iran and the United States to end the conflict.
A White House official responded to reports that Gulf leaders were caught off guard by the US plan. The official said, “Regional allies were notified in advance.”
The report also said a phone call between Trump and Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman did not resolve the disagreements. As a result, the US paused the operation. Kuwait also reportedly denied the US access to its bases and airspace for the mission.
Later, a Saudi source rejected the media report. According to The Guardian, citing AFP, the source said, “This isn’t true.” The source added that the United States still has regular access to Saudi bases and airspace.
On Wednesday (6), Trump said that “great progress” had been made in negotiations with Tehran. He also announced a pause in the operation, signaling a move away from military action and toward diplomacy.
Reports said the White House is preparing a one-page memorandum of understanding with Iran. This document could become the basis for a broader agreement to resolve the conflict.
Trump first announced 'Project Freedom' on social media over the weekend. He presented the initiative as part of a larger effort to restore maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement came during rising tensions between the United States and Iran and growing worries about global energy supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz handles a major share of the world’s oil shipments. Instability in the region has already caused sharp changes in crude oil prices in recent months.
The situation changed several times over a short period. On Sunday (3), Trump announced the escort mission. By Tuesday morning (5), Iran reportedly fired on US ships, and six Iranian attack boats were sunk. Iran also launched missiles and drones at US forces.
Later that day, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “Operation Epic Fury is concluded. We achieved the objectives of that operation,” while also saying Trump still wanted a “path of peace” with Iran.
By Tuesday evening (5), Trump announced that the escort operation was paused to allow time for negotiations. The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, and talks between the US and Iran are continuing.
