President Donald Trump's abrupt decision to pause "Project Freedom," the U.S. military operation aimed at reopening shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, reportedly came after Saudi Arabia refused to allow American forces access to its airspace and military facilities, according to NBC News.
Citing two U.S. officials, NBC reported that Gulf allies were blindsided when Trump announced the operation Sunday on social media without first coordinating with regional partners. Saudi Arabia, one of Washington's most important Middle East allies, was said to be particularly angered by the move.
