US President Donald Trump has reportedly halted a planned naval operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz after Saudi Arabia refused to allow American aircraft involved in the mission to use Prince Sultan Airbase southeast of Riyadh or fly through Saudi airspace, according to NBC News.
Citing US officials, NBC News reported that Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states were caught off guard by Trump’s announcement of “Project Freedom” on Sunday. The news report said that Trump called Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman but failed to secure an agreement.
Asked whether the operation had surprised Saudi leaders, a Saudi source told NBC News, “the problem with that premise is that things are happening quickly in real time.”
The same source added that Saudi Arabia remains “very supportive of the diplomatic efforts” led by Pakistan to help broker an agreement between the United States and Iran.
A White House official told NBC News that “regional allies were notified in advance” about the operation.
However, a West Asian diplomat cited in the news report said the US only coordinated with Oman after Trump publicly announced the initiative.
“The US made an announcement and then coordinated with us,” the diplomat said, adding, “We were not upset or angry.”
Meanwhile, the Ports and Maritime Organisation of Iran on Thursday announced that it is fully prepared to offer maritime, technical, and medical support services to commercial vessels operating in the strategic Strait of Hormuz and surrounding regional waters, a day after US President Donald Trump announced a temporary pause to “Project Freedom”.
According to a statement issued by the maritime authority and carried by Iran’s state-run IRNA, the announcement was issued to ship commanders to ensure maritime safety, improve vessel seaworthiness, and safeguard crew welfare.
The organisation said the message is being formally transmitted through maritime communication channels of Iranian ports and is intended for all vessels navigating the region, particularly those operating near Iranian territorial waters and anchorages.
According to IRNA, the maritime authority stated that ships may access a range of services, including provisions, fuel supply, medical assistance, health services, and authorised repair-related materials if required.