US President Donald Trump abruptly suspended the “Project Freedom” military operation aimed at securing maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz after a key Gulf ally reportedly halted permission for the United States to use its airspace and military facilities, according to two US officials. The officials said Saudi Arabia’s leadership was surprised and frustrated after Trump publicly announced the initiative on social media, prompting Riyadh to inform Washington that it would not allow American military aircraft to launch from Prince Sultan Air Base or use Saudi airspace in support of the operation. A phone conversation between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly failed to resolve the dispute, forcing the US administration to pause the mission due to the lack of guaranteed regional air access. Other Gulf allies were also caught off guard, as Trump only began consultations with regional leaders, including Qatar, after the announcement. Saudi sources stated that Riyadh remained in constant contact with Trump, Vice President JD Vance, US Central Command, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while also strongly supporting Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to mediate between Iran and the United States. The White House, however, insisted that regional allies had been informed in advance. A Middle Eastern diplomat noted that Washington announced the operation before coordinating with Oman and other regional partners. Trump launched “Project Freedom” over the weekend to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz amid fears of Iranian disruption, but the initiative was suspended less than 36 hours later. Before the suspension, US Central Command confirmed that two American-flagged vessels had successfully crossed the strategic waterway under the protection of the operation. Trump later stated on social media that the mission would remain paused temporarily to determine whether a final peace agreement could be reached to end the conflict. The United States continues to maintain a significant military presence across the Gulf region, including two aircraft carrier strike groups, additional military supplies, and support units. US officials emphasized that fighter jets and air defense systems were critical in protecting commercial shipping routes through Hormuz, where Iranian forces had allegedly continued threatening and targeting vessels. At the same time, the Trump administration is pushing for a diplomatic resolution. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed that Tehran is reviewing a new US peace proposal and will continue discussions with Pakistan, which is acting as a mediator. Trump said on social media that the war could end if Iran accepts the agreed conditions, adding during remarks at the Oval Office that “very good discussions” had taken place over the past 24 hours and that Iran appeared willing to negotiate. However, he warned that failure to reach an agreement could lead to renewed and devastating bombing campaigns. Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for an immediate and complete ceasefire during meetings with Iranian officials, stressing that renewed escalation would be unacceptable and that dialogue must continue. Iranian senior lawmaker Ebrahim Rezaei dismissed the latest US proposal as merely a “wish list” until implemented in reality and warned that Iran was fully prepared to respond forcefully to any hostile action. A Jordanian official also described ongoing diplomatic efforts as serious and important, noting that Iran’s economy is under immense pressure and may not be capable of sustaining a prolonged conflict.
Trump suspends ship patrol in Hormuz after Saudi Arabia denies use of airspace
