WASHINGTON: Donald Trump reportedly paused the United States’ naval escort operation in the Strait of Hormuz after Saudi Arabia suspended permission for American military aircraft to use its bases and airspace for the mission, according to a media report.
The operation, named “Project Freedom,” was aimed at helping commercial vessels navigate through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions involving Iran and regional security concerns. However, reports stated that Gulf allies were caught off guard by Trump’s sudden announcement of the mission on social media.
According to NBC News, Saudi authorities informed Washington that US military aircraft would not be allowed to operate from Prince Sultan Air Base near Riyadh or transit through Saudi airspace in support of the operation. The report added that a phone conversation between Trump and Mohammed bin Salman failed to resolve the disagreement, leading to the temporary suspension of the mission.
Saudi officials reportedly expressed frustration over the lack of prior consultation regarding the operation. The report also indicated that Qatari leadership was informed only after the naval mission had already commenced.
A Saudi source quoted in the report said Riyadh strongly supported diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan to broker peace talks between the US and Iran.
Meanwhile, former Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander Mohsen Rezaei insisted that control of the Strait of Hormuz must remain under Iranian authority and warned against the presence of foreign military forces in the region.
Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation later announced that Iranian ports remained open to provide fuel, technical assistance, medical aid and logistical services to commercial vessels operating in the Gulf and Hormuz waters.
Trump expressed optimism about ongoing diplomatic negotiations, claiming significant progress had been made toward a peace agreement with Iran. Sources familiar with mediation efforts said preliminary discussions could lead to a one-page memorandum formally ending the conflict and opening the door for talks on sanctions relief, shipping access and Iran’s nuclear programme.
The proposed diplomatic efforts are reportedly being facilitated with the involvement of Pakistani mediators, while US envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump adviser Jared Kushner are said to be participating in negotiations.
Global financial markets reacted positively to reports of possible de-escalation. International oil prices dropped sharply, with Brent crude briefly falling below $100 per barrel, while global stock markets recorded gains amid hopes that tensions in the Gulf could ease.
However, major disputes remain unresolved, including Iran’s nuclear activities, ballistic missile programme, regional influence and control over the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies pass.
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