Gulf states derailed Trump's 'Project Freedom' by cutting US access to airspace and bases

AI Summary

The US President’s recent plans for maritime operations were jeopardized after Saudi Arabia and Kuwait restricted US access to their airspaces, leading to Trump's decision to halt 'Project Freedom'. This prohibition highlights growing tensions in the region and its implications for US-Iran relations.

Gulf states derailed Trump's 'Project Freedom' by cutting US access to airspace and bases US President Donald Trump’s abrupt reversal on his plans to ensure the passage of ships through the shuttered Strait of Hormuz came after Saudi Arabia and Kuwait suspended US access to airspace and bases. Citing two US officials, NBC News reported that Saudi Arabia suspended US access to Prince Sultan Airbase and Saudi airspace after Trump announced "Project Freedom" on social media on Sunday afternoon. The kingdom, frustrated by the announcement, informed the US that it would not support the plan. Drop Site News later reported that a US administration official confirmed that Kuwait also cut off US access to its bases and airspace. On Tuesday, Trump said he was halting "Project Freedom" in a bid to reach a deal with Iran to end the war.  Read more: Gulf states derailed Trump's 'Project Freedom' by cutting US access to airspace and bases The Iran-flagged container vessel Hamouna anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, in southern Iran, on 2 May 2026 (ISNA news agency/AFP)