The sudden decision by Donald Trump to suspend the mission to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz was taken after Saudi Arabia, a key US ally in the Gulf, denied access to its bases and airspace to American fighter jets to carry out the operation, named Operation Liberty. The information was revealed on Thursday the 7th by the American network NBC, which cited two officials from the Trump administration.
According to the network, Trump angered Gulf allies by announcing Operation Liberty on social media on Sunday afternoon, particularly the Saudi leadership. In response, Riyadh informed Washington of its refusal. According to the British newspaper The Guardian, the refusal was maintained even after a telephone call between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The U.S. armed forces maintain fighter aircraft, refueling tankers, and anti-aircraft defense systems at Prince Sultan Air Base. The Saudis had been allowing the Americans to use the base to operate support flights for their war against Iran, in addition to authorizing overflights of aircraft stationed in neighboring countries.
According to The Guardian, Riyadh did not deny the disagreement with Washington and emphasized Saudi Arabia’s desire for a permanent end to the war between the United States and Israel against Iran under “any terms.”
The conflict has already caused divergences among Gulf nations, when the United Arab Emirates, which had been expressing frustration with Riyadh’s caution up to now, decided to leave OPEC, the oil producers’ cartel dominated by Saudi Arabia. Now, the Emiratis are also considering leaving the Arab League.
Negotiations
The Iranian regime stated on Wednesday, the 6th, that it was examining the proposals presented by the Americans to end the war, while Trump threatened with a new wave of bombardments if an agreement including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for international navigation is not reached.
The expectation of a possible understanding between the US and Iran boosted international markets, even after American forces fired upon an Iranian tanker trying to break the blockade imposed by the US on Iran’s ports a few hours earlier. The episode occurred amid contradictory signals from the White House about the strategy to end the conflict.
In a post on social media, Trump stated that the war, which began a little over two months ago, may be nearing its end and that the transport of oil and natural gas harmed by the conflict could be resumed. According to the president, however, that depends on Iran agreeing to an agreement whose details have not been disclosed. “If they do not agree, the bombings begin,” warned the American.
A ceasefire between the US and Iran remains in force since April 8. But in-person negotiations held last month in Pakistan did not yield a definitive agreement.
The Pakistani government, which mediated the negotiations, said it expected a positive outcome “sooner or later.” According to the Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi, Islamabad remains optimistic about the possibility of a diplomatic solution. “We expect an agreement soon. We hope the parties reach a peaceful and sustainable solution that contributes not only to peace in our region but also to international peace.”
Andrabi avoided commenting on deadlines or details. The Pakistani prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, said in a statement that his government maintains contact “day and night” with Tehran and Washington to try to halt the war and broaden the ceasefire.
*With information from the Associated Press.
