-- Saudi Arabia and Kuwait restored US military access to bases and airspace Thursday, clearing the way for Washington to revive its Strait of Hormuz escort mission, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing US and Saudi officials.
Pentagon officials are reportedly preparing to restart the maritime security mission as early as this week after suspending operations earlier this week.
US forces designed the operation around warships, fighter aircraft and surveillance systems to shield commercial vessels from Iranian missile and drone attacks across the critical shipping route.
The operation sparked one of the biggest strains in Saudi-US military ties in years as repeated calls between President Donald Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman raised concerns over Washington's long-standing security partnership with Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait blocked US military access to bases and airspace after US officials downplayed Iranian attacks in the Persian Gulf, while Gulf states worried Washington would not protect them if fighting escalated further, according to the officials.
Trump paused Project Freedom on Tuesday after Saudi crown prince raised concerns and informed him that Saudi Arabia would restrict US access to military bases and airspace, the officials reportedly said.
Trump tried to persuade the Saudi crown prince to reverse the restrictions, the report added, citing officials.
Trump posted on Truth Social on Tuesday, "Based on the request of Pakistan and other countries... while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom (the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed.
Responding to' query on restarting Project Freedom, the White House cited an official saying, "There was never a restriction or a ban to begin with, that is fake news."
Meanwhile, another phone call between President Trump and Saudi crown prince led Saudi Arabia to restore US military access to bases and airspace, according to US and Saudi officials.
US defense officials said naval escorts would steer commercial vessels through a narrow corridor cleared of mines while destroyers, drones, helicopters and fighter jets secured the route.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday that US destroyers, fighter jets, helicopters, drones and surveillance aircraft were providing round-the-clock protection for commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran answered the US operation with missile and drone attacks targeting the UAE, including strikes on Fujairah's oil-export facilities and threats against commercial vessels, the report said.
Gulf states became increasingly concerned that the US would not respond forcefully to further Iranian attacks and feared Tehran could conclude it can strike regional countries without facing serious consequences.
US forces intercepted several attacks and destroyed six Iranian fast-attack boats, although Tehran still struck non-US ships and launched 15 missiles along with multiple drones toward the UAE.
Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs didn't immediately respond to' request for comment.
(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)