The United States is considering reducing its military presence in Saudi Arabia after relations between the two countries deteriorated sharply over the US war against Iran, according to multiple media reports.
A Middle Eastern intelligence source told the Times of Israel that relations between Washington and Riyadh have grown significantly colder due to the Iran conflict. The Wall Street Journal reported similar findings on Wednesday.
According to the reports, the United States had planned a military operation called “Project Freedom” aimed at freeing ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz and weakening Iran’s control over the waterway. The operation required the use of Saudi military bases and airspace.
However, Saudi Arabia refused to grant permission, forcing the United States to cancel the plan. President Donald Trump said at the time that he decided to cancel Project Freedom within two days because of progress in talks with Iran.
The Wall Street Journal reported that, angered by Saudi Arabia’s refusal, the White House threatened to suspend the supply of missile defense interceptors to Riyadh. Saudi Arabia had been using those interceptors to shoot down Iranian missiles and drones.
US officials told the Journal that Washington is now considering scaling back its military presence in Saudi Arabia.
Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio toured the Gulf region, visiting the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar — but notably skipped Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia has been angered by what it sees as Washington’s decision to launch a war against Iran without prior consultation with Riyadh, whose geographic proximity to Iran makes it a frontline state in any regional conflict. Sources: Times of Israel, Wall Street Journal, Al Jazeera.
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