US looking to resume Hormuz naval escorts as Saudis, Kuwait end curbs on use of bases and airspace — WSJ

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have lifted restrictions on the US military’s use of their bases and airspace that were imposed after the launch of a US operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the Wall Street Journal reports, citing US and Saudi officials.

The US officials cited in the report say the Trump administration is now seeking to resume Project Freedom, the naval operation to escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, after the US president announced earlier this week he was pausing the mission amid Pakistani-mediated negotiations with Iran.

Saudi officials tell the Wall Street Journal that Saudi Arabia and Kuwait decided to prevent the US military from using their bases and skies after senior US officials downplayed Iranian attacks on the Gulf in response to the US operation, fearing American forces might not protect them if they are similarly targeted.