NBC reported, citing officials, that Trump has suspended the U.S. "Freedom Operation" to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz due to Saudi Arabia's refusal to open its military bases and airspace to the United States.
Saudi Arabia opposes the U.S. "Freedom" initiative, explicitly stating it will not allow U.S. forces to use Prince Sultan Air Base, and prohibiting American military aircraft from flying over Saudi airspace in support of this mission.
NBC sources said that a phone call between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman failed to resolve the differences, ultimately forcing the U.S. to suspend the operation.
NBC noted that Saudi Arabia supports Pakistan-led diplomatic efforts aimed at brokering a ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran, and holds a negative stance toward this U.S. military action.
Trump himself stated that the "Freedom" plan, responsible for ensuring maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, has been temporarily halted. He said this decision responds both to appeals from multiple countries including Pakistan and reflects significant military achievements by the U.S. against Iran, as well as progress in related negotiations.
Micro-comment
The U.S. sought to form a convoy alliance, leveraging allied bases and airspaces to pressure Iran—but was rejected by its key ally, Saudi Arabia, clearly demonstrating a decline in America’s influence and operational coordination in the Middle East. The suspension of U.S. naval escort operations reduces the immediate risk of military confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz in the short term, creating a window for Pakistan’s diplomatic mediation and indirect U.S.-Iran talks.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1864575497152524/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.