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US President Donald Trump's plan to create a US military escort for ships sailing through the Strait of Hormuz has hit an unexpected snag. According to a CNBC report, citing US officials, Saudi Arabia has refused the use of its strategic bases and airspace by the US, forcing Washington to temporarily suspend the operation.
The operation, named "Operation Freedom", was unexpectedly made public by Trump via social media and aimed to guarantee the safety of commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, following continued attacks and threats from Iran in the region.
According to the report, the announcement caused discontent in Riyadh, as the Saudi authorities were not informed in advance of the American plan. Saudi Arabia is reported to have communicated to the US that it would not allow American aircraft to take off from the Prince Sultan base, as well as the use of its airspace to support the mission.
According to two US officials quoted by CNBC, the key moment was a phone conversation between Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which ended without an agreement between the parties.
After this, the US president decided to temporarily freeze "Operation Freedom", while the US administration is working to restore coordination with key allies in the Persian Gulf.
The report highlights that other countries in the region, such as Qatar and Oman, were also surprised by the public announcement of the operation. Diplomatic sources claim that consultations with some allies only began after the plan was made public.
However, despite the suspension of the operation, the US continues to have a significant military presence in the Persian Gulf, with two aircraft carrier groups, fighter jets and other support forces deployed in the region.
According to CNBC, "Operation Freedom" envisioned military protection and surveillance for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, with the aim of guaranteeing freedom of navigation in one of the world's most important energy corridors.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is continuing diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions with Iran. US media reports that Tehran is considering a new US proposal for a ceasefire, while Pakistan has taken on the role of mediator between the two countries.
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