President Donald Trump paused a U.S. military operation aimed at guiding ships through the Strait of Hormuz after backlash from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf allies, according to U.S. officials.
Project Freedom
U.S. officials said Saudi Arabia pushed back after being surprised by President Donald Trump’s announcement. By: MEGA
Trump announced on Truth Social that Project Freedom would be halted for “a short period of time” while the United States pursued a “complete and final agreement” with Iran. The operation had launched after Trump said the U.S. Navy would help escort ships of “neutral and innocent bystanders” safely through the strategic waterway.
“Based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries, the tremendous Military Success that we have had during the Campaign against the Country of Iran and, additionally, the fact that Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran, we have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom (The Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed,” Trump wrote.
However, two U.S. officials told NBC News that Saudi Arabia’s anger over Trump’s surprise announcement prompted the reversal. According to the report, Saudi leaders objected to not being consulted beforehand and responded by barring U.S. military aircraft involved in the operation from using Prince Sultan Airbase or Saudi airspace.
Trump and the Saudi prince
President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke by phone but failed to resolve the dispute. By: MEGA
Trump later spoke by phone with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, but the two sides failed to resolve the dispute, leading Trump to pause the operation. Qatar was also reportedly caught off guard by the initiative and only spoke with Trump after it had already begun.
A Saudi source told NBC News that Trump and bin Salman “have been in touch regularly,” while Saudi officials also communicated with Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Central Command.
“The problem with that premise is that things are happening quickly in real time,” the Saudi source said when asked whether Gulf leaders had been blindsided by Trump’s announcement. The source added that Saudi Arabia remained “very supportive of the diplomatic efforts” by Pakistan to end the conflict.
The White House denied that allies were left uninformed, with one official stating that “regional allies were notified in advance.” Still, a Middle East diplomat told NBC News, “The U.S. made an announcement and then coordinated with us.”
The global market
The White House denied that Gulf allies were blindsided. By: MEGA
Despite the pause, tensions remain high. S&P Global Market Intelligence reported that four ships passed through the Strait under the operation. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said two commercial vessels were escorted successfully by the U.S. military. Iran also attacked U.S.-escorted ships and Navy vessels while launching strikes against the United Arab Emirates.
Meanwhile, the White House is signaling optimism about negotiations with Iran. Fox News host Bret Baier said Trump told him he was “optimistic” about a potential deal. Axios correspondent Barak Ravid reported that administration officials believe the U.S. and Iran are nearing a preliminary agreement that could lead to broader nuclear negotiations.