Saudi Arabia suspends US military access to bases and airspace amid Iran tensions
Saudi Arabia has suspended United States military access to its bases and airspace, dealing a major setback to Washington’s Gulf strategy amid escalating tensions in West Asia.
According to reports citing two US officials, the move forced US President Donald Trump to abandon plans to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz under an operation reportedly known as Project Freedom.
The development comes at a time of heightened regional tensions involving Iran, Israel and US military operations across West Asia.
Following the setback, Trump appeared to shift focus towards diplomacy, saying recent talks with Iran were “very good” and expressing optimism that a permanent agreement could still be reached.
Iran is currently reviewing a reported 14-point proposal put forward by the United States aimed at ending hostilities and opening a 30-day negotiation window for broader discussions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called for dialogue and diplomacy, while US officials said they expect Tehran’s response soon.
However, uncertainty continues over the status of the proposed agreement, with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissing some media reports surrounding the negotiations as “fake”.
Despite diplomatic efforts, military operations across the region continue unabated.
Israel carried out airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Wednesday in what was described as the first strike on the Lebanese capital since a US-brokered ceasefire came into effect on April 17.
In southern Lebanon, Israeli air raids reportedly targeted the town of Harouf, killing one person and injuring three others. Additional strikes on Ad-Doueir allegedly damaged infrastructure, including a mosque and the town square, while causing further casualties.
The Israeli military said its operations are aimed at Hezbollah infrastructure and fighters, adding that more than 220 Hezbollah members have been killed since the ceasefire began.
Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in Gaza have also continued, with Hamas condemning the attacks and accusing Israel of continuing a “war of extermination”.
Diplomatic mediators are continuing efforts to broker a pause in fighting as regional powers weigh the consequences of prolonged escalation against the possibility of negotiated de-escalation.
