Saudi Arabia blocks US tanker escort plan in Strait of Hormuz

Saudi Arabia has refused to allow the United States to use its bases and airspace for a planned military escort operation for oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Washington to shelve the scheme.

The plan was known as Project Freedom and was presented as a successor to an earlier bombing campaign.

According to the supplied report, Riyadh told the White House it would not permit use of Prince Sultan airbase for the operation.

The refusal reportedly stood even after a personal call between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Donald Trump.

The decision matters because the escort plan was intended to protect shipping through one of the world's most sensitive waterways.

Saudi Arabia also feared the operation lacked clear terms of engagement and could trigger a risky naval confrontation between Iran and the US.

The report says the dispute reflects wider Gulf tensions over the war involving Iran and Israel.

It also suggests Saudi Arabia wants a permanent end to the conflict, while the United Arab Emirates has taken a more assertive line.

The row comes as Gulf states weigh the economic and security costs of the conflict.

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