Saudi Arabia and Kuwait reverse base restrictions, clearing path for Project Freedom restart
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have lifted their bans on U.S. military use of their bases and airspace, removing the main obstacle to resuming Project Freedom, the American naval operation to escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The reversal comes just days after both Gulf states blocked U.S. access to key military infrastructure. Saudi Arabia had denied use of Prince Sultan Airbase and overflight rights, with Kuwait imposing similar restrictions shortly after. U.S. equity markets then fell in response to reports President Trump was preparing to restart the operation. BREAKING: US equity markets fall on reports that President Trump is preparing to restart “Project Freedom” in the Strait of Hormuz. pic.twitter.com/4eHu6HjsVs — The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) May 7, 2026 What triggered the Project Freedom shutdown Project Freedom launched earlier this week as a U.S.-led effort to secure the Strait of Hormuz, the chokepoint that handles roughly 20% of global oil trade. The operation used naval destroyers, fighter jets, helicopters, and drones to escort commercial vessels through the waterway amid escalating tensions with Iran. The initial phase worked. Two U.S.-flagged ships were guided out of the Persian Gulf under military escort. However, the operation provoked a sharp Iranian response, including cruise missile and drone strikes on U.S.