The United States’ planned naval mission ‘Project Freedom,’ aimed at securing shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, faced a major setback when Saudi Arabia and Kuwait refused to allow the use of their airspace and military facilities. As a result, U.S. President Donald Trump was compelled to temporarily suspend the operation. According to NBC News, Saudi Arabia denied access to the Prince Sultan Air Base and prohibited U.S. military flights over its territory.

U.S. officials said Trump’s sudden announcement of the project on Sunday caught Gulf allies off guard. Despite a phone call between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, no agreement was reached. A Saudi official told NBC News that the situation was changing too quickly for a decision, but Riyadh viewed Pakistan’s mediation between the U.S. and Iran positively. The White House maintained that regional partners had been informed in advance, though a Middle Eastern diplomat claimed coordination occurred only with Oman after Trump’s public statement.

Following the suspension, Iran’s ports and maritime authority declared readiness to assist commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, offering fuel, food, and medical support if needed.