U.S. Allies Reopen Their Airspace To Its Forces After Reported Backlash

Two Gulf countries reopened their airspace to U.S. forces after closing it earlier this week, according to a new report by The Wall Street Journal.

Concretely, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait lifted their restrictions on the U.S. military’s use of their bases, something that had led to the suspension of Project Freedom, the operation seeking to help vessels go through the Strait of Hormuz despite Iran’s blockade.

NBC News had detailed that Riyadh told Washington it would prevent it from using its bases in the country to carry out the operation after the announcement about “Project Freedom” took its leadership by surprise.

The outlet went on to detail that a conversation between President Donald Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman failed to address concerns and led to an end to the operation so the U.S. could regain access to the country’s airspace.

The new reporting stands in contrast with President Donald Trump’s claim that the operation would be suspended as a result of progress in the broader negotiations to end the war.

He said in a social media publication that “based on the request of Pakistan and other Countries,” as well as the fact that “Great Progress has been made toward a Complete and Final Agreement with Representatives of Iran, we have mutually agreed that, while the Blockade will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed.” Now, the Wall Street Journal added, the U.S. will seek to resume Project Freedom.

Negotiations to end the war continue in the meantime, with Pakistani mediators optimistic about progress being made.

CNN detailed that the White House received positive feedback on the matter. Citing a source familiar with the matter, the outlet said President Donald Trump appears to be simplifying issues related to the negotiations so moderates in Tehran will return to the negotiating table.

Iran said on Wednesday it was reviewing the proposal and is expected to provide its response to Pakistani mediators.

While neither Washington nor Tehran have provided any details about the proposal, Axios reported that the countries are getting close to a one-page memorandum of understanding with 14 points to end the war and usher detailed nuclear negotiations.