‘Saudi pressure’ led US to pause Hormuz project: NBC

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump’s decision to pause a US operation to escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz reportedly followed pressure from Saudi Arabia, according to an NBC News report citing two US officials. The operation, dubbed Project Freedom, was unexpectedly announced by Trump on social media on Sunday and began on Monday. However, US allies in the Gulf were reportedly surprised by the announcement. According to the officials, Saudi Arabia — one of Washington’s key regional partners— subsequently suspended the US military’s access to its bases and airspace needed to support the mission. “Trump surprised Gulf allies by announcing ‘Project Freedom’ on social media Sunday afternoon, the officials said, angering leadership in Saudi Arabia,” NBC News reported. “In response, the Kingdom informed the US it would not allow the US military to fly aircraft from Prince Sultan Airbase southeast of Riyadh or fly through Saudi airspace to support the effort.” Riyadh rejects media report on Trump ‘U-turn’ A call between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman did not resolve the disagreement, the officials said, prompting the White House to pause the operation in order to restore access. “Other close Gulf allies were also caught off guard; the president spoke with leaders in Qatar after the effort had already begun,” the report added. A Saudi source, however, downplayed suggestions of surprise, saying Trump and the Crown Prince “have been in touch regularly”. The source added that Saudi officials were also in contact with senior US officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Central Command. When asked whether Saudi leadership was surprised, the source said: “The problem with that premise is that things are happening quickly in real time.” The source also said Riyadh was “very supportive of the diplomatic efforts” by Pakistan to mediate between Iran and the United States. A Saudi source also rejected a