American newspaper: Saudi Arabia and Kuwait yield to Trump’s pressure and reopen bases to the US military

Follow-ups – Al-Khabar Al-Yemeni:

The American newspaper “The Wall Street Journal” revealed that Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have lifted the restrictions they had imposed on the US’ use of their military bases and airspace, following intensive communications between US President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The newspaper quoted American and Saudi officials as saying that Riyadh and Kuwait have again allowed US forces to use airbases and overflight rights after restrictions were imposed at the start of the American operation aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

The newspaper explained that this step removed a major obstacle facing the US administration in its plan to secure the passage of commercial ships through the strait, after the American military operation was temporarily suspended following its launch 36 hours earlier.

According to the report, the American operation relied primarily on-air support launched from Saudi and Kuwaiti bases, which gave these bases great strategic importance in executing the military mission.

The newspaper pointed out that the disagreement over the use of bases caused unprecedented tension in military relations between Washington and Riyadh, prompting Trump and Mohammed bin Salman to conduct a series of direct communications to contain the crisis.

Saudi officials confirmed that fears of the Iranian response were a primary reason behind the imposition of restrictions, especially with growing Gulf concern about the inadequacy of American protection in the event of an expanded military confrontation.

The report added that Trump decided to suspend the operation called “Project Freedom” after a phone call with the Saudi Crown Prince, before the use of airbases was reactivated following a new call between the two sides.

In the same context, American officials spoke of the US administration’s intention to resume escort operations for commercial ships and provide them with naval and air protection in the coming period, amid expectations of a return of escalation in the region.

The newspaper also quoted defense officials as saying that commercial ships cooperating with the US will cross through mine-secured corridors, under the direct protection of American ships and aircraft.

In contrast, the newspaper indicated that Iran responded to the American moves by launching missiles and drones towards targets in the UAE, while Tehran denied carrying out any direct attacks, warning of a strong response to any military movement against it launched from Gulf countries.