Saudi Refusal Forced Trump to Suspend Hormuz Operation

President Donald Trump suspended operation Project Freedom, a mission to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, after just two days. According to the Independent, the decision was influenced by Saudi Arabia's refusal to allow US forces to use its military bases and airspace.

The operation was announced following Iranian attacks on ships in the Gulf and on a port in the United Arab Emirates. Trump described it as a humanitarian mission to assist vessels that had been blocked in the area for more than two months.

US officials said the Saudi leadership reacted negatively to the announcement. Riyadh refused to allow US aircraft to use both Prince Sultan Air Base and Saudi airspace, and a subsequent phone call between Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly failed to produce an agreement.

Saudi sources said the country supports diplomatic negotiations and remains in contact with US officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Diplomatic sources also indicated that the operation had not been coordinated with Oman beforehand.

(max)