Riyadh Blocks US Operation Against Iran as Saudi-American Alliance Shows Cracks

Saudi Arabia has effectively withdrawn from allied cooperation with the United States by closing an air base to the American operation "Project Freedom.” Saudi Arabia Suspends Support for US Military Operation According to NBC News, citing two unnamed American officials, the sudden pause in "Project Freedom” was triggered after Saudi Arabia suspended US military access to its airspace and Prince Sultan Air Base. The officials noted that Riyadh was angered by President Donald Trump's sudden announcement of the operation on Truth Social without prior consultations. A phone call between Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman failed to resolve the dispute, making air cover for the mission impossible and forcing the United States to put the project on hold.