Saudi Arabia has reportedly refused to support the US naval initiative known as Project Freedom, aimed at securing ship transit through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by NBC News.
US officials cited by the network said Riyadh was angered after President Donald Trump publicly announced the operation on social media without prior consultation with Gulf allies.
In response, Saudi Arabia reportedly informed Washington that it would not permit US military aircraft to operate from Prince Sultan Air Base or pass through Saudi airspace in support of the mission.
The report added that a phone call between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman failed to resolve the dispute, ultimately forcing Washington to pause the operation.
Trump announced on May 5 that Project Freedom would be suspended temporarily while the US assesses whether negotiations linked to the regional conflict could result in a formal agreement.
The diplomatic disagreement highlights growing tensions among regional allies as instability around the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt global shipping and energy markets.
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