Saudi Arabia Suspends Then Restores US Military Base Access After Unilateral 'Project Freedom' Announcement

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait temporarily suspended US military access to their bases and airspace after President Trump announced 'Operation Project Freedom' — a military effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz — via Truth Social without notifying Riyadh in advance. MBS was reported to be 'furious' at the lack of consultation over an operation that could directly escalate Iranian retaliation against Saudi infrastructure already under attack. The unprecedented move to deny access marked a sharp break from decades of automatic Saudi military compliance with US requests. After a direct phone call between Trump and the Crown Prince, Saudi Arabia lifted the access restrictions and US forces resumed operations. The episode exposed deep friction between Riyadh and Washington over the pace and scope of military escalation against Iran, with Saudi Arabia insisting on consultation before actions that could expose the Kingdom to retaliatory strikes.