President Donald Trump abruptly stopped plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by military means after key allies, especially Saudi Arabia opposed the US strategy. This change occurred even as the White House expressed confidence about reaching a deal with Iran to reduce recent tensions in West Asia.
Trump Abruptly Ends ‘Project Freedom’
The proposed US operation, named “Project Freedom,” aimed to escort commercial vessels through the important waterway, where shipping had faced significant interruptions because of the Iran-US conflict. However, regional partners reportedly disagreed with the plan, fearing it could worsen tensions. Saudi Arabia is said to have limited US access to crucial bases and airspace, leading Washington to rethink the mission.
A phone call between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman did not resolve the differences, causing the US to pause the operation. Kuwait also reportedly denied the US access to its bases and airspace for the planned mission.
Stop plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz
A Saudi source denied a US media report, citing AFP. “This isn’t true,” a source close to the Saudi government told. The United States still has regular access to Saudi bases and airspace, the source added.
On Wednesday, Trump said that “great progress” made in talks with Tehran and announced a pause in the operation, indicating a shift from military pressure to diplomacy. The White House is currently drafting a one-page memorandum of understanding with Iran that serve as a foundation for a broader resolution to the conflict.
Read also: BTS Greets 50,000 Fans from Mexico Palace Balcony After Presidential Meeting
