NBC News: Trump Halts Strait of Hormuz Operation Amid Dispute With Saudi Arabia

U.S. President Donald Trump unexpectedly paused Operation Project Freedom, a mission aimed at protecting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, because of disagreements with Saudi Arabia.

According to NBC News, citing two U.S. officials, Trump upset Gulf allies by announcing the operation without consulting them first, angering Saudi leaders.

Saudi Arabia then warned that it would block U.S. military aircraft from using Prince Sultan Air Base and from entering Saudi airspace.

Trump later spoke by phone with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, but the two sides were unable to settle their dispute.

Amid this, the U.S. president decided to halt the operation to escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, officials in Riyadh emphasized their support for diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions surrounding Iran.

The report also claims that several U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf were not told in advance about the new operation.

According to the broadcaster, Donald Trump discussed the plan with leaders of Qatar only after announcing it publicly. Journalist Ryan Grim said that Kuwait also denied the U.S. access to its air bases and airspace.

The U.S. reportedly sought approval from other countries only afterward as well. For example, talks with Oman began only after Trump announced the start of the operation.

On Wednesday, May 6, Donald Trump announced the suspension of Operation Project Freedom, which was intended to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, he described the mission as an effort to ensure the safe passage of vessels and crews through the strait.

The War Zone reported that the operation would involve major military assets, including destroyers, more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, various types of unmanned platforms, and around 15,000 service members.