Saudi Arabia has reportedly suspended US military access to its bases and airspace, forcing Donald Trump to abandon a planned Strait of Hormuz operation as diplomatic talks with Iran continue.
Jeddah: A major shift appears to be unfolding in West Asia after Saudi Arabia reportedly suspended US military access to its bases and airspace. According to US officials, the decision forced President Donald Trump to drop plans for a naval escort mission through the Strait of Hormuz, dealing a blow to Washington's regional strategy.
The proposed operation, known as Project Freedom, was expected to strengthen security for commercial shipping in one of the world's busiest oil routes. However, without Saudi support, the mission was unable to move forward as planned.
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The setback has also changed Washington's immediate approach. Instead of pursuing military action, Trump has signalled a stronger focus on diplomacy, saying recent discussions with Iran had gone "very good" and expressing confidence that a lasting agreement remains possible.
Iran is now reviewing a 14-point proposal put forward by the United States to end the conflict. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called for dialogue and diplomacy, while the proposed framework reportedly includes a pause in hostilities followed by a 30-day period of negotiations. More difficult issues, including Iran's nuclear programme, would be addressed in later talks.
For now, there is no official confirmation that Tehran has accepted the proposal. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has dismissed several media reports about the negotiations as false, highlighting that discussions remain sensitive and ongoing.
Even as diplomatic efforts gather pace, the fighting across the region continues. Israel carried out fresh airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, marking the first attack on the Lebanese capital since a US-brokered ceasefire came into effect in April.
In southern Lebanon, Israeli strikes hit the town of Harouf, killing one person and injuring three others. Additional attacks on Ad-Doueir reportedly damaged the town square and a mosque while leaving at least one more person dead. The Israeli military said the operations were aimed at Hezbollah positions and claimed more than 220 Hezbollah members had been killed since the ceasefire began.
The violence has also continued in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes remain ongoing. Hamas condemned the attacks, while international mediators continued efforts to bridge differences between the warring sides.
With military tensions still running high and diplomacy slowly gathering momentum, the coming days could prove crucial in determining whether the region moves closer to another escalation or takes its first real step towards a negotiated pause.
Published: 19 Jul 2026, 07:53 am IST
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