WASHINGTON — President Trump’s “Project Freedom” to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be back on in days after a previously secret spat with Gulf allies which halted the military operation was resolved.
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have quietly reopened their bases and airspace to the US military, which could restart the currently paused “Project Freedom” mission to protect ships from Iranian attacks, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The Gulf countries had previously balked at letting the US use their territory for “Project Freedom,” which Trump called off on Tuesday less than 48 hours after it took effect, citing a request from Pakistan and “other countries.”
While it remains unclear when exactly Project Freedom would restart, Pentagon officials have signaled that escorts could begin as early as this week, according to the WSJ.
Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian parliament’s national security committee, appeared to warn the US to avoid restarting the operation in a veiled threat on Thursday.
“Making the same mistake again and again won’t get you a different answer; only a stronger one,” Aziz wrote on X. “Respect the new Maritime Regime of Iran.”
Iran had warned neighboring countries not to help the US, raising fears of retaliation as Tehran launched missile and drone attacks across the region. The Strait of Hormuz carries about a fifth of the world’s oil supply, making it one of the planet’s most critical shipping lanes.
The previous restrictions were lifted after talks between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to the WSJ, which cited “US and Saudi officials.” Pakistan later confirmed that Saudi Arabia was among the other nations the US consulted.
The White House, however, denied that the Gulf nations had restricted the US from using their bases.
“There was never a restriction or a ban to begin with. That is fake news,” a White House official told The Post.
The move clears the way for the Pentagon to ramp up naval escorts and air operations in the Gulf should Trump choose to do so.
Launched on Monday, Project Freedom relied heavily on American aircraft based in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to provide the adequate protection for ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz.
While at least two American ships were able to cross the strait during the first full day of the operation, Iran and US ships traded fire, with America sinking six small attack boats and raising fears that the war would restart.
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The Saudis and other Gulf states, which have been bombarded by Iran’s retaliatory attacks, were allegedly concerned that the US would not be able to defend them if the war resumed, one official told the WSJ.
The fears were exacerbated after the United Arab Emirates accused Iran of attacking its tankers and key oil facility near the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week, with the US dismissing Tehran’s attacks as low-level harassment that did not violate the cease-fire.
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Trump said on Tuesday that he ultimately chose to pause Project Freedom due to “the fact that Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran.”
The president later warned that if Iran does not come to the negotiating table, “the bombing starts,” with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth echoing Trump’s warning.
“We prefer this to be a peaceful operation, but are locked and loaded to defend our people, our ships, our aircraft, and this mission without hesitation,” Hegseth said.
The Pentagon did not immediately respond to requests for comments.
