‘Saudi pressure’ led US to pause Hormuz project: Report

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Washington DC: U.S. President Donald Trump has officially paused ‘Project Freedom,’ a high-stakes military operation designed to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

The sudden reversal follows intense pressure from Saudi Arabia, a key regional partner that reportedly blocked the U.S. military from using its airspace and the Prince Sultan Airbase to support the mission.

 Reports indicate that a phone call between Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman failed to bridge the strategic divide, as Riyadh fears a military-led escort could further ignite regional conflict.

While the White House maintains that allies were notified in advance, several Gulf leaders were reportedly surprised by the initial weekend announcement on social media. This friction has led Washington to shift its focus from naval force to diplomacy. 

The administration is now working on a one-page ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ with Iran to restore safe passage. Despite the pause, Saudi sources have publicly downplayed reports of a rift, asserting that the U.S. still maintains regular access to regional facilities, even as the ‘Project Freedom’ escort mission remains in limbo.