The president of the United States, Donald Trump would have abruptly suspended the military operation known as “Project Freedom” in the Strait of Hormuz after Saudi Arabia limited the use of military bases and airspace by US forces, according to information revealed by NBCNews and other national media.
The decision marked an unexpected turn in the White House strategy just days after Trump announced the military deployment to escort commercial vessels in one of the world’s most important shipping routes, amid rising tensions with Iran.
According to US officials cited on condition of anonymity, Riyadh reacted with annoyance to the announcement of the operation, because the plot had not been previously coordinated with several key allies in the Persian Gulf.. Saudi Arabia would later inform Washington that it would not allow military operations related to the mission from the Prince Sultan Air Force or the use of its airspace.
The situation forced Trump to hold a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, although the talks failed to resolve the disagreement, according to reports.
“We enjoy mutually agreed that, whereas the Blockade will remain in beefy pressure and lift out, Mission Freedom (The Roam of Ships thru the Strait of Hormuz) will apparently be paused for an immediate time frame to perceive whether or no longer the Settlement may maybe also very successfully be finalized and signed…” – President… pic.twitter.com/R9SlC4w68g
— The White Dwelling (@WhiteHouse) Would possibly furthermore honest 5, 2026
Allies surprised by Washington’s announcement
Officials cited by NBC said that other allied governments in the region, including Qatar and Oman, were also taken by surprise when Trump announced “Project Freedom.” through social networks last Sunday.
The operation sought to guarantee the safe transit of commercial ships and oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic passage for global energy trade that has been the scene of threats and attacks attributed to Iran in recent weeks.
The Pentagon previously reported that two US-flagged vessels managed to cross the strait under military protection.. In addition, US authorities assured that Iran launched drones, missiles and small boats against escorted ships, although no US ship was hit.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had publicly defended the operation by ensuring that Washington sought to protect international trade and avoid further disruption to energy markets.
However, less than 36 hours after the start of the mission, Trump announced its temporary suspension, arguing that there was diplomatic progress to reach a possible agreement with Tehran.
.@SECWAR “President Trump has directed @CENTCOM to restart the free flow of commerce thru the Strait of Hormuz below the umbrella of PROJECT FREEDOM.
To make certain, this operation is separate and distinct from Operation Narrative Fury.
PROJECT FREEDOM is defensive in nature,… pic.twitter.com/gU9lB0sVGA
— DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) Would possibly furthermore honest 5, 2026
Negotiations with Iran open new diplomatic phase
From the Oval Office, Trump stated this Wednesday that the talks with Iran have been “very good” and noted that there is a possibility of reaching an agreement in the short term.
The statements coincided with reports published by the Axios portal, which indicate that Washington is waiting for an Iranian response on a proposal aimed at ending the conflict and opening broader negotiations related to the Iranian nuclear program.
According to White House officials, this would be the moment in which both sides have come closest to reaching an understanding. since the start of the war launched by the United States and Israel on February 28.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has assumed a mediating role between both sides and has asked to maintain the indefinite ceasefire that currently remains in force.
Despite the diplomatic advance, Trump maintained a threatening tone by warning that the United States could resume military attacks if Iran does not accept the conditions posed by Washington.
“I think there is a good chance that this will end,” the president said in an interview with PBS. “And if it doesn’t end, we will have to bomb them again without mercy.”
The tension in the region also keeps international markets under pressure. Although the price of oil fell slightly after learning of the suspension of the operation, the barrel continues above $100 dollars, while uncertainty persists about maritime security in the Persian Gulf.
Keep reading:
- Donald Trump threatens Iran with more intense attacks if it does not agree to a peace agreement
- Iran has no “mine-carrying dolphins,” says Pete Hegseth
- What do we know about Project Freedom with which Trump wants to escort ships in the Strait of Hormuz?
