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

Gulf states paused Trump's 'Project Freedom' by cutting US access to airspace and bases Submitted by MEE staff on Thu, 05/07/2026 - 10:36 Saudi Arabia was reportedly frustrated by the US announcement of a plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz 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) Off 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.