Report says disagreement over military access prompted Washington to reconsider regional deployment
The United States and Saudi Arabia reportedly disagreed over a proposed US naval mission to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, leading Washington to abandon the operation, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal citing US officials familiar with the discussions.
The report said the planned mission, known as Operation Project Freedom, encountered resistance after Saudi Arabia initially declined to grant the United States access to its military bases and airspace. According to the officials, the disagreement triggered tense diplomatic exchanges between the two allies before Riyadh ultimately altered its position.
The newspaper further reported that the White House warned Saudi Arabia that delays in approving military access could affect future deliveries of air defence systems designed to intercept Iranian missiles and drones. US officials also said Washington is now reviewing its military posture in the kingdom and may shift some resources to regional partners that provided greater operational support during the recent conflict.
Regional diplomacy and security concerns shape discussions
According to the report, Saudi leaders consistently urged the Trump administration to prioritise diplomacy with Iran rather than expand military operations. The newspaper said Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman advised President Donald Trump to reconsider the proposed mission, warning that additional military action could further escalate regional tensions.
Arab officials quoted in the report also said Saudi Arabia expressed concerns over military operations conducted during the conflict, arguing they could expose Gulf energy infrastructure to potential retaliation. Riyadh reportedly encouraged Washington to pursue diplomatic engagement and broader regional coordination instead of escalating hostilities.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told the newspaper that relations between Washington and Riyadh remain strong, adding that President Trump considers the views of regional partners before making decisions in the interests of the United States.
The Pentagon declined to comment on the report, while Saudi authorities had not issued an official response at the time of publication.
