The move comes days after the Trump administration paused “Project Freedom”, an operation aimed at escorting commercial vessels through the strategically critical waterway.
The US is now considering restarting the naval escort initiative, potentially as early as this week, as per WSJ.The operation relied heavily on Gulf-based military infrastructure, with Saudi and Kuwaiti airspace considered essential for deploying fighter jets, surveillance aircraft and naval support to protect commercial ships from Iranian missile and drone attacks.
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Riyadh had objected to the use of Prince Sultan Airbase for the mission, fearing the operation lacked clear rules of engagement and could escalate into a direct naval confrontation with Iran.
Saudi Arabia was also concerned that Gulf states could become exposed to retaliation without firm American protection guarantees, as per a report by The Guardian.
Trump abruptly paused the initiative after a personal phone call with Mohammed bin Salman. While Trump publicly claimed the suspension followed diplomatic progress involving Pakistan and China.
US operation and Iranian response
During the initial phase of Project Freedom, the US Navy escorted two American-flagged vessels through the Gulf. The mission later triggered clashes in which Iran allegedly launched cruise missiles and drones at US warships and commercial ships.
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Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had earlier described the operation by saying, “As a direct gift from the United States to the world, we have established a powerful red, white and blue dome over the strait.”
