Gulf states derailed Trump's 'Project Freedom' by cutting US access to airspace and bases

US President Donald Trump’s abrupt reversal on his plans to ensure the passage of ships through the shuttered Strait of Hormuz came after Saudi Arabia and Kuwait suspended US access to airspace and bases.

Citing two US officials, NBC News reported that Saudi Arabia suspended US access to Prince Sultan Airbase and Saudi airspace after Trump announced "Project Freedom" on social media on Sunday afternoon.

The kingdom, frustrated by the announcement, informed the US that it would not support the plan.

Drop Site News later reported that a US administration official confirmed that Kuwait also cut off US access to its bases and airspace.

On Tuesday, Trump said he was halting "Project Freedom" in a bid to reach a deal with Iran to end the war. 

Read more: Gulf states derailed Trump's 'Project Freedom' by cutting US access to airspace and bases