The United States’ planned naval operation “Project Freedom”, intended to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, has been suspended after Saudi Arabia and Kuwait refused permission for the use of their airspace and military facilities. The development was reported by NBC News, citing US officials.
According to the report, Saudi Arabia declined to allow the United States to use Prince Sultan Air Base, located south-east of Riyadh, or to permit US military aircraft to operate through Saudi airspace. Kuwait also withheld approval for the use of its airspace and US military installations based on its territory.
Key positions reported
| Party | Position |
|---|---|
| United States | Planned “Project Freedom” naval operation; later suspended |
| Saudi Arabia | Denied use of airspace and Prince Sultan Air Base |
| Kuwait | Refused use of airspace and US bases |
| Iran | Announced readiness to assist commercial shipping |
| Oman | Contacted by US following announcement |
NBC News reported that President Donald Trump’s decision, announced on social media on Sunday, took Gulf states by surprise, leaving them largely unprepared for the scale and timing of the operation’s announcement. US officials were cited as saying that regional allies had been informed in advance, although diplomatic responses varied across the region.
Following the announcement, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait reportedly informed Washington that they would not support or facilitate the operation. A Saudi official told NBC News that the rapid pace of developments made coordination difficult, stating: “The problem is that everything is happening very quickly.” The same official also said that Riyadh supports Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in mediating between the United States and Iran.
The report further stated that President Trump held a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in an attempt to reach an understanding, but no agreement was achieved.
A White House official maintained that regional partners had been informed prior to the announcement. However, a Middle Eastern diplomat said the United States only contacted Oman after the public declaration, adding that communication with other states came later. The diplomat noted that although the sequence of engagement was unconventional, it did not lead to resentment among regional actors.
The sudden announcement on Sunday afternoon reportedly caused concern within Saudi leadership, which subsequently communicated its decision not to support the plan. Shortly afterwards, Kuwait also confirmed its refusal to allow the use of its territory or airspace for the operation.
One day after the suspension of “Project Freedom”, Iran issued a statement outlining its own preparedness in relation to maritime activity in the region. Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation announced that it was ready to provide technical and logistical support to commercial vessels operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran further stated that ships near its waters could receive fuel, food, and medical assistance as required. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically significant maritime passages, through which a substantial proportion of global oil shipments transit.