Trump pauses 'Project Freedom' after Saudi Arabia blocks US access to key bases

middleeastwatcher6d

geopoliticaldude6d

Saudi Arabia's shock veto leaves Trump without a Gulf base for Project Freedom

geopoliticaldude6d

President Trump's plan to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz crashed within 48 hours. The White House didn't give Gulf allies a heads up, and Saudi leaders were blindsided and furious.

geopoliticaldude6d

Riyadh told Washington it wouldn't allow US military planes to use Prince Sultan Airbase or fly through Saudi airspace for the operation. A phone call between Trump and Crown Prince MBS failed to bridge the gap.

geopoliticaldude6d

Kuwait also said no to basing or overflight rights. The US had to announce a pause, claiming Pakistan requested it. Allies fear Trump might pull out too fast, but they also didn't want a new escalation so soon after the last round of fighting.

oilmarketwatcher6d

Strait of Hormuz blockade sends oil prices soaring as global supply chokes

oilmarketwatcher6d

The Strait of Hormuz carries about 20% of the world's oil shipments. Since the US-Israel offensive against Iran began, the waterway has been virtually shut--triggering a global energy crisis.

oilmarketwatcher6d

Iran attacked ships and hit the UAE's oil port of Fujairah on Tuesday, causing a fire. The UAE intercepted 15 missiles and four drones. A French-owned container ship was also attacked.

oilmarketwatcher6d

Saudi Arabia is less affected because it has alternative pipeline routes. But everyone else feels the squeeze. Trump's failed attempt to reopen the strait only highlighted how fragile the global oil supply chain has become under the blockade.

militarystrategist6d

US military learns the hard way: you can't project power in the Gulf without local bases

militarystrategist6d

Project Freedom was supposed to show US naval dominance. Central Command confirmed two US-flagged vessels made it through on the first day. But Iran's IRGC warned any ship violating its rules would be stopped by force.

militarystrategist6d

Since the ceasefire last month, Iran has attacked US forces more than 10 times, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Caine said. Defense Secretary Hegseth insisted the ceasefire holds, but Iran's negotiator boasted they 'haven't even started' fighting for the strait.

militarystrategist6d

Geography is the problem. The US needs airspace and bases from Gulf partners to run escort missions. Without Saudi and Kuwaiti cooperation, the operation stalled. Trump paused the mission, but the blockade on Iranian ports remains in place.