RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has allowed the United States continued access to its airspace and military bases, although it did not support the recently suspended American operation aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to Saudi sources.
The operation, called “Project Freedom,” was launched by the United States to help secure shipping routes in the strategic waterway after tensions with Iran intensified. However, US President Donald Trump later announced a pause in the mission following renewed regional instability.
Reports in American media claimed that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally informed President Trump that Saudi territory and airspace would not be used for the operation. Despite this, Saudi sources said US forces still retain access to Saudi facilities for other military and logistical purposes.
One Saudi official said Riyadh opposed the operation because it feared the move could worsen tensions and increase the risk of conflict in the region.
Saudi Arabia has continued to call for calm and diplomatic efforts. Meanwhile, tensions remain high after Iran reportedly targeted three American destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz. The United States responded with strikes on Iranian military positions, while Tehran accused Washington of starting the confrontation.
