The decision forced Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to speak via telephone, something that did not resolve the impasse
Donald Trump abruptly suspended the US military operation created after Saudi Arabia limited the use of bases and airspace by the United States. The revelation was made by unidentified American officials, who claim that Riyadh was taken by surprise by the announcement of the so-called “Project Freedom”.
According to the same sources, the Saudi leadership reacted badly to the decision announced by Trump on social media and informed Washington that it would not allow the use of the Prince Sultan air base, southeast of Riyadh, nor the overflight of Saudi airspace to support the mission.
The decision forced Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to speak via telephone, something that did not resolve the impasse, forcing the White House to temporarily suspend the operation to regain access to airspace considered critical for any military action in the region.
The operation had been presented by Trump as a response to the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and provided for military protection for ships crossing that strategic route. The Pentagon even announced that two American-flagged ships had managed to cross the area under the mission.
But Saudi Arabia was not unique. According to NBC News, several other US allies in the Gulf were also surprised by Trump’s announcement. Qatar was only contacted after the operation had already begun and Oman reportedly received instructions after the American president’s public announcement.
Despite the disagreement, Saudi sources guarantee that contacts between Washington and Riyadh continue and underline Saudi Arabia’s support for diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan to reach an agreement between the United States and Iran.
The information comes at a time when the Trump administration continues to try to negotiate an end to the conflict, and when Tehran continues to analyze a new North American proposal for an end to hostilities between the two countries.
“We had very good conversations in the last 24 hours”, confirmed Donald Trump on Wednesday, warning that if there is no agreement, the United States could “return to bombing”.
