Saudi Rebuff Halts Trump's Plan for Naval Oil Escort in Gulf

Saudi Arabia refused to allow the U.S. to use its bases or airspace for Project Freedom, prompting Trump to suspend the plan. Riyadh’s veto highlights Gulf caution toward escalating conflict with Iran and comes as the UAE grows frustrated with Riyadh while seeking closer ties with Israel. The halt raises the risk of resuming hostilities near the Strait of Hormuz, jeopardizes a fragile ceasefire, and could trigger Iranian retaliation against shipping and Gulf energy infrastructure, amid shifting regional alignments.