Bin Salman Cuts Trump Down to Size and Leaves Him Alone in the Strait of Hormuz; Relations Turn Sour

According to the political service of the Saed News Agency, the U.S. network NBC claimed early Thursday that Saudi Arabia opposed assisting the United States in a military plan related to the Strait of Hormuz.

NBC, citing two American officials, reported that Riyadh did not allow Washington to use its bases and airspace for the so-called “Freedom Project.”

The report stated: “The sudden withdrawal of Trump from his plan to help ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz came after one of the key U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf suspended the U.S. military’s ability to use its bases and airspace for this operation.”

U.S. officials told NBC: “Trump surprised his Gulf allies by announcing the Freedom Project on Sunday, which angered the Saudi leadership. In response, Riyadh informed Washington that it would not allow the U.S. military to launch aircraft from Prince Sultan Air Base or to pass through Saudi airspace.”

These sources further explained: “A phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman did not resolve the issue, and he was forced to suspend the Freedom Project in order to restore U.S. military access to sensitive airspace.”

The report added: “Other close U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf were also surprised. After launching the initiative, Trump also spoke with Qatar’s leaders.”

A Saudi source also told NBC that Riyadh strongly supported Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to mediate between Iran and the United States to end the war.