Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Lift Restrictions on U.S. Military Use of Base Airspace

According to a report by Reference News Network on May 10, the U.S. Wall Street Journal reported on May 8 that U.S. and Saudi officials stated that Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have lifted restrictions on the U.S. military's use of their bases and airspace. These restrictions were implemented after the U.S. initiated operations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This move removes another obstacle for President Trump’s efforts to allow ships to pass through this vital waterway.

U.S. officials indicated that the Trump administration is currently seeking to restart operations to guide commercial vessels under air and naval support, which were suspended after 36 hours this week. It is unclear when these operations will resume, but according to a timeline provided by Pentagon officials, it could be as early as this week.

The U.S. operation to forcibly open the Strait of Hormuz relies on a large fleet to protect commercial vessels from Iranian missile and drone attacks, making the bases and airspace of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait crucial for mission execution.

However, this operation has sparked the largest dispute in U.S.-Saudi military relations in recent years, prompting Trump to engage in a series of high-level calls with the Saudi Crown Prince and increasing the risk of a breakdown in the long-standing security agreement between Washington and Riyadh.

Saudi officials stated that the U.S. military was prohibited from using their bases and airspace after senior U.S. officials downplayed Iranian attacks on Gulf countries (which were in response to the Strait operations). They said that Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries are also concerned that the U.S. would not protect them in the event of an escalation of hostilities.

Saudi officials claimed that Trump suspended the "Freedom Plan" operation on the evening of the 5th, after he spoke with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who expressed his concerns during the call and informed Trump about the decision regarding the restrictions on bases and airspace. Officials indicated that Trump was trying to get the Gulf leader to back down. Trump stated on social media that he agreed to suspend the initiative at the request of countries like Pakistan.

U.S. and Saudi officials stated that the U.S. military's rights to use bases and fly over airspace in Saudi Arabia were restored after the two leaders spoke on the phone again.

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have not yet commented. The Pentagon stated that related questions should be answered by the White House. The White House indicated that the U.S. had notified its Gulf allies in advance before launching the "Freedom Plan," but did not respond to questions regarding base usage rights.

NBC News previously reported on the restrictions on U.S. use of bases and airspace in Saudi Arabia.

Defense officials stated that in any restart of the "Freedom Plan," commercial vessels coordinated with the U.S. will be guided through a narrow channel that has been cleared of mines, under the protection of U.S. warships and aircraft.

After the mission was initially launched this week, U.S. Secretary of Defense Esper stated, "As a direct gift from the U.S. to the world, we have established a strong red, white, and blue dome over the Strait."

He said, "U.S. destroyers are in position, providing round-the-clock surveillance protection for peace-supporting commercial vessels, supported by hundreds of fighter jets, helicopters, drones, and reconnaissance aircraft."

In response to the U.S. attempt to open the Strait, Iran launched missiles and drones at the UAE. This important oil export hub of the Gulf monarchy has been targeted.

After U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley condemned Iran's attacks on vessels and the UAE as "low-level harassment," Saudi Arabia has grown increasingly concerned that the U.S. would not respond strongly enough to further attacks. Both Trump and Esper have stated that the ceasefire agreement is still in effect.

The "Freedom Plan" withdrew two U.S.-flagged vessels from the Persian Gulf but triggered a small-scale conflict, during which Iran launched cruise missiles and drones at U.S. warships and commercial vessels. The U.S. intercepted these attacks and sank six Iranian fast attack boats, but Iran still successfully hit some non-U.S. vessels. Iran also launched 15 missiles and several drones at the UAE, hitting its oil hub located in Fujairah. This was the first such attack by Tehran since the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement took effect last month.

Gulf countries are concerned that Iran may learn from this and believe it can strike them without punishment. Iran denies taking action against the UAE but warns that any action launched from this Gulf monarchy will be met with a "devastating response."