Saudi Arabia Refuses to Support US Military Operation in Strait of Hormuz
Saudi Arabia has firmly refused to grant permission for the US military to use its airbases and airspace in support of Project Freedom, a ship escort operation in the Strait of Hormuz initiated by President Donald Trump. Riyadh's move was driven by concerns that US military maneuvers would provoke retaliatory attacks from Iran on Gulf countries' infrastructure and trigger a broader conflict.
As a form of protest and self-protection, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia informed the US that it will not allow US fighter jets or support aircraft to fly from Prince Sultan Air Base. Kuwait also took similar steps by revoking US rights to use its airbases and airspace. Within just 36 hours of the announcement, Trump temporarily halted the mission.
The current situation in the Strait of Hormuz is extremely tense. No ship traffic has been observed along the route for three consecutive days. Iran has completely blocked access to the strait, despite a ceasefire being declared on April 8th. Saudi Arabia holds a stronger bargaining position due to its East-West oil pipeline, which allows exports without passing through the Strait of Hormuz. So far, the White House has not been able to confirm when or if Project Freedom will resume.
https://www.gelora.co/2026/05/