Saudi Arabia Furious, Thwarts Donald Trump's Newly Launched Freedom Project

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has dramatically withdrawn the ‘Freedom Project’ just two days after it began. This project was part of the US efforts to free the Strait of Hormuz from Iranian control. According to reports, the programme failed after the US ally in the Gulf, Saudi Arabia, blocked access to its military bases and airspace for America. “Trump’s decision to halt the operation was driven by complaints from Saudi Arabia,” two US officials told NBC News. Saudi leaders were reportedly furious over the US move and informed the US that Riyadh would not allow American military forces to fly aircraft through Prince Sultan Air Base, located southeast of the capital Riyadh. Officials said the Kingdom also refused access for any US aircraft to fly through Saudi airspace as part of the Freedom Project. It was reported that a telephone conversation took place between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. However, the two failed to reach an agreement, forcing the US president to cancel the operation.