A US newspaper has said in a sensational report that former President Donald Trump was forced to halt “Project Freedom” after Saudi Arabia refused to allow the use of its airspace for the military operation.
The report describes the decision as a significant setback for American influence and defense strategy in the Middle East.
Failed Negotiations
According to the report, Trump personally contacted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman by telephone in an attempt to secure support for the operation.
However, the Saudi leadership reportedly rejected the request and maintained a firm position against allowing the mission to proceed through Saudi airspace. The reported failure of negotiations has raised questions about the current level of defense coordination between Washington and Riyadh.
Saudi Diplomatic and Military Response
The newspaper further claimed that Saudi authorities were unhappy over not being informed in advance about “Project Freedom.”
As a result, Saudi officials allegedly restricted access for American personnel stationed at a military base in Riyadh and made it clear that US aircraft would not be permitted to operate from the facility.
According to the report, Trump was ultimately compelled to withdraw from the sensitive operation in order to ensure continued access and operational security for American troops stationed in the kingdom.
Defense Assets and Operational Challenges
The report noted that the American military base in Saudi Arabia currently hosts advanced fighter aircraft, refueling tankers, and air defense systems.
For the success of “Project Freedom,” US naval assets reportedly required continuous aerial protection, which depended heavily on aircraft operating from Saudi territory. The closure of Saudi airspace allegedly made the mission logistically impossible to execute.
