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Source: https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-us-relationship-iran-war-ca0f31a0
Saudi Arabia Blocked Trump's Effort to Open the Strait of Hormuz
(Wall Street Journal) Shelby Holliday - More than 100 U.S. military aircraft were taking off from bases and ships across the Middle East as part of an effort to crack open the Strait of Hormuz in early May when Saudi Arabia, whose bases and airspace were critical to the mission, said no. The pushback forced the U.S. to end the military operation to guarantee safe passage for ships. Incensed, the White House threatened to hold back delivery of interceptors that Saudi Arabia needs to shoot down Iranian missiles and drones, if the kingdom didn't reverse course, U.S. and Arab officials familiar with the discussions said. Saudi Arabia ultimately backed down. Now, the U.S. is considering reducing its military footprint in the kingdom. Saudi Arabia and the U.S. were never really on the same page over the war against Iran. The kingdom and other Gulf states said publicly they wouldn't allow their bases or airspace to be used to attack Iran. After Iran launched missile and drone attacks against Gulf population centers, energy infrastructure, and airports, the kingdom and other Gulf states quickly allowed the U.S. to use their bases and airspace for attacks, despite their initial reluctance. Some including Saudi Arabia - eventually took a more active role, launching a number of strikes on targets that included Iranian drone and missile sites. Saudi officials feared more Iranian attacks on its energy exports including from the Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea, where the kingdom had routed most of its oil. Saudi Arabia complained to the U.S. that UAE attacks on Iran, which began in the early days of the war, were raising the risk that regional energy facilities could come under fire from Iran.