US President Trump scraps Project Freedom due to Saudi opposition

May 8, 2026 • Google News World

US President Donald Trump has shelved plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under a program called “Project Freedom” after Saudi Arabia refused to use its bases and airspace for the initiative.

The plan aimed to provide security measures for ships passing through the strategic waterway, which connects the Gulf of Oman to the Persian Gulf. However, Saudi officials expressed concerns about using their facilities, leading to the cancellation of the project.

In a separate development, Trump stated that an Iran peace deal could be reached within a week as Tehran reviews his latest offer. The US President has been engaged in diplomatic efforts with Iran to resolve tensions in the region.

Additionally, Trump’s decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was met with backlash from some of his allies, prompting him to reconsider the plan. In response, the US Navy directed ships on a path farther away from Iran to minimize the risk of encountering mines.

These developments highlight the complexities and challenges involved in addressing regional security concerns.

Source: Google News World