Saudi Arabia denies US use of airspace for Strait of Hormuz operation: Report
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia reportedly refused to allow the United States to use its airspace and military bases for operations linked to a brief American effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to two Saudi sources cited by AFP on Friday.
The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said the restrictions applied specifically to the operation known as “Project Freedom”, while broader US access to Saudi airspace and bases for other purposes would continue.
The reported decision is in line with Riyadh’s long-standing position that its territory and airspace should not be used for military action against Iran.
Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump announced a pause in the operation, which had aimed to escort and guide ships through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz following heightened tensions with Iran and strain on an already fragile ceasefire.
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According to US media reports, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman directly informed Trump that Saudi Arabia would not permit US forces to use Saudi territory or airspace for the mission.
One of the Saudi sources told AFP that Riyadh believed the operation risked escalating regional tensions rather than easing them.
“Saudi Arabia was against the operation because it felt it would just escalate the situation and would not work,” the source said.
On Friday, Saudi Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Rayed Krimly reiterated the kingdom’s support for diplomatic efforts and de-escalation in a statement posted on social media.
The developments come amid renewed tensions in the Gulf region. Trump said on Friday that the ceasefire with Iran remained intact despite an Iranian attack on three American destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military later confirmed carrying out strikes on Iranian military targets in response, while Tehran accused Washington of initiating the latest exchange of fire.