US Media: U.S. and Saudi Arabia at Odds Over Refusal to Cooperate with U.S. Military at Critical Moment

Odaily reported that, according to the Wall Street Journal, this spring, as part of an ambitious operation aimed at securing the Strait of Hormuz, over 100 U.S. military aircraft planned to take off from bases and warships across the Middle East but encountered an unexpected obstacle: Saudi Arabia—whose bases and airspace were crucial to the mission—refused. According to U.S. officials familiar with the matter, this resistance forced the U.S. to abandon the "Freedom of Action" plan, thereby terminating the military operation just initiated by then-President Trump to ensure the safe passage of ships. U.S. and Arab officials familiar with the discussions said the White House angrily threatened to suspend deliveries of interceptors used to shoot down Iranian missiles and drones unless Saudi Arabia changed its stance. Saudi Arabia eventually relented, but U.S. officials at the time indicated that the resulting damage was not easily repaired. Some U.S. officials revealed that the United States is currently considering reducing its military presence within Saudi Arabia.