The “Freedom Project” operation started by US President Donald Trump in the Strait of Hormuz was halted within just 36 hours after Saudi Arabia refused to allow the use of its airspace and military bases.
Medianews.az, citing “NBC News,” reports that the Washington administration did not fully inform the Gulf countries before the operation.
This caused dissatisfaction in the region. It was reported that Riyadh did not agree to the US use of Prince Sultan Military Air Base and the passage of American aircraft through its airspace.
According to information, the phone call between Mohammed bin Salman and Donald Trump did not resolve the crisis. After this, Washington decided to temporarily halt the operation.
Saudi sources stated that events developed very rapidly and that Riyadh supports Pakistan’s mediation initiatives to reduce tensions between Iran and the US.
Following the suspension of the operation, diplomatic contacts intensified. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei said that the new peace proposal presented by the US is being reviewed.
Although Donald Trump said the likelihood of an agreement between the parties was high, he emphasized that if no result is achieved, the military option could be brought back to the agenda.
It should be noted that the “Freedom Project” operation was launched to ensure the safe passage of vessels belonging to neutral countries blocked in the Strait of Hormuz. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had announced that within the framework of the operation, the evacuation of approximately 23,000 civilians from 87 countries is planned.
Medianews.az