Saudi Pressure Triggers Trump’s Hormuz Pause and War-Plan Reversal

Trump abruptly paused the navy mission 'Project Freedom' to clear ships through the Strait of Hormuz after Gulf allies, led by Saudi Arabia, signaled they would not allow U.S. aircraft from Prince Sultan Airbase or airspace through Saudi territory to support the plan; Pakistan had mediated, and NBC cited officials saying the pause followed a call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that failed to resolve the airspace issues, while the blockade remains in place and regional allies were reportedly notified in advance.