Donald Trump’s sudden decision to suspend the ship escort mission through the Strait of Hormuz was taken after Saudi Arabia, an important US ally in the Gulf, denied access to its bases and airspace to American fighter jets to carry out the operation, called Project Freedom. The information was revealed this Thursday, 7th, by the American network NBCwhich cited two Trump administration officials.
According to the broadcaster, Trump angered Gulf allies by announcing Project Freedom on social media on Sunday afternoon, especially the Saudi leadership. In response, Riyadh informed Washington of its refusal. According to the British newspaper The Guardianthe refusal was maintained even after a phone call between Trump and the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman.
The US military maintains combat aircraft, refueling tankers and anti-aircraft defense systems at Prince Sultan Air Base. The Saudis had been allowing the Americans to use the base to operate flights in support of their war in Iran, in addition to authorizing overflights of aircraft parked in neighboring countries.
According to the GuardianRiyadh did not deny the disagreement with Washington and emphasized Saudi Arabia’s desire for a permanent end to the US and Israeli war against Iran under “any terms”.
The conflict has already caused disagreements among Gulf nations, when the United Arab Emirates, which had been expressing frustration with Riyadh’s caution until now, decided to leave OPEC, the cartel of oil producers dominated by Saudi Arabia. Now, the Emiratis are also considering leaving the Arab League.
Negotiations
The Iranian regime stated this Wednesday, 6th, that it was analyzing the proposals presented by the Americans to end the war, while Trump threatened a new wave of bombings if an agreement is not reached that includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international navigation.
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The expectation of a possible understanding between the US and Iran boosted international markets, even after American forces fired at an Iranian oil tanker that was trying to break the blockade imposed by the US on Iranian ports a few hours earlier. The episode occurred amid contradictory signals from the White House about the strategy to end the conflict.
In a post on social media, Trump stated that the war, which began just over two months ago, could be close to an end and that the transportation of oil and natural gas damaged by the conflict could be resumed. According to the president, however, this depends on Iran accepting an agreement whose details have not been disclosed. “If they don’t agree, the bombings will begin,” threatened the American.
A ceasefire between the US and Iran has remained in effect since April 8. But face-to-face negotiations that took place last month in Pakistan did not result in a definitive agreement.
The Pakistani government, which was mediating the negotiations, said it expected a positive outcome “sooner or later”. According to the country’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Tahir Andrabi, Islamabad remains optimistic about the possibility of a diplomatic solution. “We hope for an agreement soon. We hope that the parties will reach a peaceful and sustainable solution, which contributes not only to peace in our region, but also to international peace.”
Andrabi avoided commenting on deadlines or details. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a statement that his government is in contact “day and night” with Tehran and Washington to try to stop the war and extend the ceasefire.
*With information from the Associated Press.
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