Saudi Arabia has blocked the use of its airspace and Prince Sultan Air Base for the United States’ “Project Freedom” operation in the Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. officials cited by NBC News. The decision came after President Donald Trump announced the mission on Sunday without prior notification to Riyadh or other Gulf states.
Trump’s plan called for U.S. naval escorts to protect Western‑flagged vessels navigating the strait, which channels roughly 20 percent of global oil shipments. However, Saudi officials informed Washington that Saudi airspace and the Prince Sultan base, located southeast of Riyadh, would not be available to support the operation. A subsequent phone conversation between Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman did not resolve the disagreement.
As a result, the president ordered a pause to Project Freedom on Tuesday, just two days after its announcement. In a statement, the White House cited “great progress” in Pakistani‑mediated peace talks between the United States and Iran as the reason for the suspension. The sudden halt caught senior U.S. officials off guard. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had earlier indicated that the earlier “Epic Fury” operation was concluded and that Project Freedom had become the primary focus, while Secretary of the Air Force Pete Hegseth was promoting the initiative as a humanitarian effort to counter Iran’s blockade.
Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf mocked the initiative on social media, describing it as “Operation Trust Me Bro” and alleging that the United States was spreading misinformation about ongoing diplomatic talks.
The impasse underscores the strategic importance of Saudi cooperation for any U.S. military activity in the region. Control of the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint in global energy markets, and the ability of the United States to project power through Saudi airspace and bases is a critical factor in any future operation. Further diplomatic engagement will be required to determine whether Project Freedom can be revived or if alternative arrangements will be pursued.
