It has refused to allow its airspace and bases on its soil to be used by US forces for the operation to escort ships that want to pass through Hormuz, which has now been suspended, two Saudi sources told AFP.
However, the bases are allowed to be used for other purposes, according to the sources, who asked not to be named. Riyadh, although a close US ally, has repeatedly said it will not allow its territory to be used for attacks on Iran.
On Tuesday night, US President Donald Trump announced that he was ending Operation Freedom, which had begun just the day before, due to rising tensions with Iran that threatened the already fragile truce. US media reported on Thursday that Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, spoke directly to Trump and denied him use of the kingdom’s bases and airspace.
“Saudi Arabia has not approved flights for this operation. The bases remain but flights intended to support the operation have not been allowed,” said one of the sources.
Riyadh opposed Trump’s initiative because it believed it “wouldn’t work” and would only worsen the situation, he added.
In a post on social networking sites today, Deputy Foreign Minister Rajed Krimli said the kingdom was in favor of de-escalation and negotiation efforts.
