US President Donald Trump has reportedly halted a planned naval operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz after Saudi Arabia refused to allow American aircraft involved in the mission.
Local media reports say Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states were caught off guard by Trump’s announcement of ‘Project Freedom’ on Sunday. The reports said Trump called Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman but failed to secure an agreement.
Meanwhile, the Ports and Maritime Organisation of Iran has announced that it is fully prepared to offer maritime, technical, and medical support services to commercial vessels operating in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. It said in a statement that the announcement was issued to ship commanders to ensure maritime safety and safeguard crew welfare.
The report cited two US officials as saying Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states were surprised by Trump’s announcement of Project Freedom on Sunday, and that Trump later spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the matter but was unable to reach a resolution.