US media: Saudi Arabia and the US fall out as Saudi refuses to cooperate with US forces at a critical moment

According to Odaily Planet Daily, the Wall Street Journal reported that this spring, as part of an ambitious operation to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, over 100 US military aircraft were scheduled to take off from bases and warships across the Middle East. However, they encountered an unexpected obstacle: Saudi Arabia—whose bases and airspace were crucial to the mission—refused to cooperate. According to US officials familiar with the matter, this resistance forced the US to abandon the "Freedom of Navigation" plan, thereby halting a military operation just initiated by then-President Trump aimed at ensuring the safe passage of ships. US and Arab officials briefed on the discussions stated that the White House angrily threatened to suspend the delivery of interceptors—used to shoot down Iranian missiles and drones—to Saudi Arabia if it did not change its stance. Saudi Arabia ultimately relented, but US officials at the time said the damage done could not be easily repaired. Some US officials have revealed that the US is currently considering reducing its military presence in Saudi Arabia.