🇸🇦 ❌ 🇺🇸 Saudi Arabia reportedly rejected granting the military access to bases and airspace for “Project Freedom” in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to Trump abruptly halting the operation after a short time from announcing it. Read more below 👇

US President Donald Trump suspended “Project Freedom,” a short-lived US military initiative aimed at escorting commercial vessels through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, after pressure from Gulf allies, according to NBC News citing sources.

The decision, announced on Tuesday, followed significant opposition from key Gulf allies, particularly Saudi Arabia, which restricted American access to critical bases and airspace.

Trump announced the operation via social media on Sunday, surprising regional partners and angering Saudi leadership, the report continues.

The plan sought to guide stranded ships through the waterway, which Iran had effectively restricted amid ongoing tensions and a fragile ceasefire. The United States maintains a blockade on Iranian ports while pursuing diplomatic progress.

In response, Saudi Arabia informed US officials that American military aircraft would not be permitted to operate from Prince Sultan Airbase, southeast of Riyadh, or transit Saudi airspace in support of the mission, the sources said to NBC News.

A subsequent telephone conversation between President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman failed to resolve the impasse.

The problem with that premise is that things are happening quickly in real time,” a Saudi source said when asked whether “Project Freedom” caught the Gulf kingdom by surprise.

Saudi Arabia was “very supportive of the diplomatic efforts” by Pakistan to broker a deal between Iran and the US, the source adds.

Facing the loss of essential regional access, the Trump administration chose to pause Project Freedom.

The reversal occurred roughly 36 to 48 hours after the operation’s launch. Reports indicate that only a limited number of vessels successfully transited under US escort during this brief period. Other Gulf allies were also reportedly caught off guard by the unilateral announcement.

In his Truth Social post announcing the pause, Trump cited requests from Pakistan and other nations, recent military successes against Iran, and advancing negotiations toward a comprehensive agreement.

He emphasized that the US blockade on Iranian ports would remain in effect during the temporary halt.

Israeli’ army says it targeted 85 Hezbollah infrastructure sites across Lebanon within 24 hours.

Hezbollah says it fired rockets at ‘Israeli’ forces operating south of the forward defense line.

‘Israeli’ army announced today that its forces targeted more than 85 Hezbollah sites and infrastructure points over the last 24 hours.

‘Israeli’ military stated that these strikes aimed to dismantle operational capabilities used to target Israeli soldiers and civilians.

The targets included weapons storage facilities, rocket launch pads, and buildings used by Hezbollah operatives for military activities in southern Lebanon.

Targeting the Beqaa Valley

In a significant escalation, ‘Israeli’ jets bombed an underground site in the Beqaa Valley. ‘Israeli’ military identified the facility as a production plant for advanced weaponry.

Officials stated the strike was necessary to prevent Hezbollah from replenishing its strategic arsenal during the current period of instability.

Clashes south of defense line

‘Israeli’ military reported that Hezbollah operatives fired several rockets toward Israeli troops positioned south of the “forward defense line” in southern Lebanon.

While the projectiles fell near the forces, ‘Israeli’ military confirmed there were no injuries among the soldiers. In response, ‘Israeli’ forces targeted the specific Hezbollah elements responsible for the attack, stating they were actively engaged in “hostile activities” against the troops.

Ongoing tension despite negotiations

The intensified military activity comes despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize the regional ceasefire.

‘Israeli’ army reaffirmed its commitment to neutralizing immediate threats, emphasizing that it will continue to strike any infrastructure that violates existing security understandings.

These strikes follow a week of renewed friction, as both sides accuse each other of breaching the terms of the fragile truce mediated by international partners.