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Published : 07 May 2026, 04:23 PM
Donald Trump has paused a military-backed operation aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz after Saudi Arabia suspended US access to key airspace and bases needed for the mission, NBC News reports.
The American outlet said Trump’s announcement of “Project Freedom” caught Gulf allies off guard and angered Saudi leadership.
In a direct response, the Kingdom informed Washington that it would no longer permit the US military to fly aircraft from Prince Sultan Airbase or utilise Saudi airspace to support the operation, it added.
As per NBC News, a subsequent telephone call between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman failed to resolve the impasse, leaving the president with little choice but to pause the mission to restore critical military access.
Other regional partners were also reportedly left in the dark.
The broadcaster noted that Trump only spoke with leaders in Qatar after the operation had already begun.
Similarly, a West Asian diplomat said the US did not coordinate the plan with Oman until after the public announcement was made.
While a White House official maintained that regional allies were notified in advance, a Saudi source told the NBC News that the primary issue was the speed at which events were unfolding in real-time.
The source added that Riyadh remains "very supportive" of diplomatic efforts mediated by Pakistan to broker a peace deal between Iran and the US.
“Project Freedom” had been designed to break an Iranian blockade in the waterway by providing military surveillance and personnel on board ships.
But the mission was halted just 36 hours after it began.
In a post, Trump said the pause would allow time to see if an agreement to end the war could be finalised and signed.
The logistical impact of the Saudi decision is significant, as the US military relies on what is termed "ABO" -- access, basing, and overflight -- to provide a defensive umbrella over West Asia.
Without cooperation from countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, and Oman, US fighter jets and refuelling tankers are unable to operate effectively in the region.
Despite the pause, the US maintains a formidable presence in the area, with two carrier strike groups currently deployed.
Meanwhile, Iran is reportedly reviewing a new peace proposal, with the regime expected to discuss the terms with Pakistan following an internal assessment.
