Saudi Arabia blocked U.S. military access to its bases and airspace for Project Freedom, a spring operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, forcing the United States to abort the mission, according to U.S. and Arab officials familiar with the matter. The suspension came after the Saudis were blindsided by President Donald Trump’s announcement of the operation, NBC News reported. A subsequent call between Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman failed to resolve the dispute, and the U.S. shelved the plan, the Guardian reported.
The refusal marked the biggest rift in years in the U.S.-Saudi relationship, which has been strained by disagreements over the U.S.-led war against Iran that began in February. Saudi Arabia had warned the White House before the war that any attempt to topple the Iranian regime would close the strait, rattle oil markets and hurt the U.S. economy, as well as damage regional stability, Arab officials said. Despite initial cooperation — Gulf states allowed the U.S. to use their bases and airspace for attacks, and Saudi Arabia itself launched strikes on Iranian drone and missile sites, according to U.S. officials and a Gulf official — the crown prince shifted gears as Iran struck important energy infrastructure, including Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura petroleum complex, according to people familiar with the matter.
Prince Mohammed is now working to de-escalate the conflict and has supported peace talks through Saudi Arabia’s ally Pakistan, the New York Times reported. Iranian officials said Thursday that Tehran and Washington are discussing a one-page proposal to open the Strait of Hormuz and end hostilities for 30 days while they search for a comprehensive deal that would include matters like Iran’s nuclear program.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said that Washington and Riyadh have a great relationship. “President Trump listens to a variety of opinions on any particular issue, and he takes seriously the input of our regional partners,” she said. “Ultimately, he makes all decisions based on what is best for the American people.” The Pentagon declined to comment. Riyadh did not respond to requests for comment.