Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Open Access to Bases for US Operations in Hormuz

Washington (ANTARA) - The governments of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have lifted restrictions on the use of their bases and airspace by the US military, which were imposed following the launch of the American operation aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

According to a Wall Street Journal report on Thursday, this move paves the way for President Donald Trump to secure commercial shipping lanes through the strategically vital waterway amid rising tensions involving Iran.

Citing US and Saudi officials, the newspaper reported that the Trump administration is preparing to resume naval escort operations for commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, supported by US naval and air forces.

The mission was reportedly suspended temporarily earlier this week after operating for 36 hours.

The report added that Pentagon planners are currently assessing schedules to continue the operation, with some US officials indicating that activity could resume as early as this week, citing US officials.

Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched attacks against Iran on 28 February, triggering retaliation from Tehran against Israel and US allies in the Gulf, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The US subsequently announced a ceasefire that took effect on 8 April through mediation by Pakistan, followed by talks in Islamabad, but they failed to produce an agreement. The ceasefire was then extended indefinitely by Trump without a set deadline.

As both sides failed to reach an agreement, the US began imposing a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic in the strait since 13 April.

Trump announced on Tuesday that the US military would temporarily halt “Operation Freedom” to restore freedom of navigation for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and stated that the American blockade would remain “fully in effect.”