US-Saudi Tensions Escalate Over Military Base Access and Missile Supply Threats

The Wall Street Journal reports a severe crisis in US-Saudi relations after Saudi Arabia denied Washington access to its bases and airspace for a US military operation aimed at securing free passage through the Strait of Hormuz. In spring, over 100 US military aircraft were deployed from bases and warships across the Middle East as part of "Operation Liberty," announced by President Trump hours earlier. However, the operation was halted almost immediately when Saudi Arabia refused to allow use of its territory, despite its bases and airspace being critical for the mission.

US officials familiar with the matter told the newspaper that Saudi opposition forced the US to cancel the operation designed to open the strategic shipping route and ensure safe passage for vessels in the area. Washington viewed the Saudi move as a serious breach of trust, especially as the administration sought to demonstrate strength against Iran. In response, the White House threatened to delay supplying Saudi Arabia with interceptor missiles needed to defend against Iranian missiles and drones. This threat prompted Riyadh to reverse its stance, but US sources said the damage to bilateral relations would be difficult to repair.

The tension was further highlighted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent Gulf visit, during which he skipped Saudi Arabia, visiting the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain instead. Saudi insiders interpreted this as a deliberate snub, although the Trump administration denied this and said Rubio held positive talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan. The US is now considering reducing its military footprint in Saudi Arabia and reallocating forces to countries that have been more supportive during the conflict, such as Israel and Jordan. American officials emphasized that planning is still preliminary and no final decisions have been made.

This crisis threatens one of the key relationships underpinning the Gulf security order for decades. Despite official statements about renewed partnerships between the US and Gulf states, the report reveals a deep rift behind the scenes between Washington and Riyadh over who is willing to bear the costs of confrontation with Iran.