U.S. Navy warplane takes off from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln during Operation Epic Fury targeting Iran in the Gulf of Oman, March 1, 2026. (U.S. Navy / Handout / AA Photo)
May 08, 2026 01:31 AM GMT+03:00
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have lifted restrictions on the U.S. military’s use of their bases and airspace, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday, citing U.S. and Saudi officials.
The restrictions had been imposed after the launch of an American operation aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the report, the move removes a significant obstacle for President Donald Trump’s effort to secure commercial shipping routes through the strategically important waterway amid heightened tensions involving Iran.
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US preparing to restart naval escort operations
The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration is preparing to restart naval escort operations for commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz with U.S. naval and air support.
The mission had been paused earlier this week after operating for 36 hours, according to the report.
Pentagon planners are now assessing timelines for resuming the operation. Some U.S. officials said activities could restart as early as this week, according to American officials cited by the newspaper.
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Hormuz tensions remain high
Regional tensions have escalated since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, triggering retaliation from Tehran against Israel and American allies in the Gulf, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement. The truce was later extended by Trump without a set deadline.
The U.S. has enforced a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic in the strait since April 13.
Trump announced Tuesday that the U.S. military would temporarily pause “Project Freedom,” an operation aimed at restoring freedom of navigation for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
He also said the American blockade would remain “in full force and effect.”
May 08, 2026 01:31 AM GMT+03:00