Trump abruptly halted ‘Project Freedom’ after Saudi Arabia blocked US access to key bases: Report
A subsequent phone call between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman failed to bridge the differences, forcing the US to pause the operation.
President Donald Trump abruptly halted plans to militarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz after key allies, particularly Saudi Arabia, reportedly pushed back against the US strategy. The shift came even as the White House projected confidence about securing a deal with Iran to ease the recent tensions in West Asia, NBC News reported.
The proposed US operation, dubbed “Project Freedom“, aimed to escort commercial vessels through the strategically crucial waterway, where shipping had faced major disruptions amid the Iran-US conflict. However, regional partners reportedly opposed the plan over fears that it could further escalate tensions. Saudi Arabia is said to have restricted US access to key bases and airspace, prompting Washington to reconsider the mission.
On being asked whether the announcement of Project Freedom caught the Saudi leaders by surprise, a Saudi source told NBC News, “The problem with that premise is that things are happening quickly in real time.”
The source said Saudi Arabia was “very supportive of the diplomatic efforts” by Pakistan to broker a deal between Iran and the US to end the war. A White House official said in a statement when asked about some Gulf state leaders being caught off guard by the announcement of the US effort to help ships transit the Strait of Hormuz, “Regional allies were notified in advance.”
Trump and Saudi Crown Prince phone call failed to bridge differences
The report added that a subsequent phone call between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman failed to bridge the differences, forcing the US to pause the operation. Kuwait also reportedly denied Washington access to its bases and airspace for the proposed mission.
Saudi rejects US media report
Later on Thursday, a Saudi source rejected a US media report, The Guardian reported, citing AFP.
“This isn’t true,” a source close to the Saudi government told AFP. The United States still has regular access to Saudi bases and airspace, the source added.
Story continues below this ad
On Wednesday, Trump said “great progress” had been made in negotiations with Tehran and announced a pause in the operation, signalling a shift away from military pressure and towards diplomacy. The White House is now reportedly drafting a one-page memorandum of understanding with Iran that could form the basis of a broader resolution to the conflict.
Trump had unveiled the initiative on social media over the weekend, presenting it as part of a broader effort to restore maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints. The announcement came amid rising tensions between the US and Iran and growing concerns over disruptions to global energy supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz carries a major share of global oil shipments, and instability in the region has triggered sharp swings in crude oil prices in recent months.
Iran-US War · Strait of Hormuz
24 Hours, 4 Reversals: How Trump's Hormuz Strategy Unravelled
Sunday — Wednesday, May 2025
The Whiplash — Event by Event
Sunday
Trump announces "Project Freedom" — U.S. forces will escort hundreds of stranded commercial vessels safely through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed by firing at ships off its coast.
Tuesday — Morning
Iran fires on U.S. ships. Six Iranian attack boats sunk. Two American-flagged freighters attempt to lead the transit. Iran launches missiles and drones at U.S. forces. Defence Secretary Hegseth, asked about active fire from both sides, says: "No, the ceasefire is not over."
Tuesday — Afternoon
"Operation Epic Fury is concluded. We achieved the objectives of that operation," Secretary of State Rubio tells reporters at the White House — while in the same breath saying Trump still seeks a "path of peace" requiring Iran to agree to a deal.
Tuesday — Evening
Trump announces on social media that the strait escort operation is paused to see if a negotiated agreement can be reached. Saudi Arabia had privately conveyed it did not view the escort plan as a feasible path to reopening the waterway.
Wednesday — Morning
Trump threatens renewed bombing "at a much higher level." "If they don't agree, the bombing starts," he writes on Truth Social. Hours later, the U.S. military shoots and disables an Iranian oil tanker attempting to breach the blockade.
Expert Analysis
"This is not an administration that operates based on a policy process. It operates based on impulse. The president seems now both tired of this war and reluctant to continue investing his political capital into it."
— Ali Vaez, Iran Director, International Crisis Group
Now — Ongoing
Strait remains blocked. No deal reached. Negotiations continue as 20% of the world's oil supply sits bottlenecked. Fuel prices are rising, and Republicans face growing pressure ahead of midterm elections.
What's next
→
Trump travels to Beijing next week — visiting China while the strait remains closed is seen as diplomatically damaging, putting China in a position of strength.
→
A UK-France maritime coalition is forming — but will only deploy once the threat to shipping ends, not before.
→
France's aircraft carrier strike group is moving south of the Suez Canal into the Red Sea in preparation for a potential joint mission.
The Express Global Desk at indianexpress.com which delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis.
A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students.
All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence.
Core Team
The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy:
Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership.
Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage.
Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read More
