A serious crisis appears to have emerged in relations between the United States and Saudi Arabia, with Washington even considering reducing its military presence in the kingdom, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.

According to the newspaper’s online edition, the US government is engaged in preliminary discussions over a possible redeployment of its forces in the Middle East, potentially moving part of its military presence to countries that more actively supported US operations during the recent crisis, such as Israel and Jordan. However, no final decision has been made.

The report states that tensions escalated when the United States launched “Operation Project Freedom,” aimed at securing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

The operation encountered a major obstacle when Saudi Arabia initially refused to allow the use of its military bases and airspace, which were considered critical for the mission’s success. Riyadh reportedly urged Washington to reach an agreement with Iran and pursue the opening of the strait through negotiations rather than military action.

The US side was forced to suspend the operation just days after it was announced by Donald Trump, a move that reportedly caused strong dissatisfaction in the White House.

Threats over arms deliveries

The Wall Street Journal reports that the Trump administration warned Riyadh it would delay the delivery of interceptor missiles—considered essential for countering potential Iranian attacks—if Saudi Arabia did not change its stance.

Eventually, the kingdom again allowed the use of its bases and airspace, but US officials believe the damage to bilateral relations will be difficult to repair in the near future.

According to US officials, particularly tense phone calls took place between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, described as the most serious crisis in relations between the two countries in years.

Diplomatic signals

A further sign of tension was US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent Gulf tour. The top US diplomat visited the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain, but not Saudi Arabia.

Sources close to Riyadh said this absence was interpreted as a deliberate downgrading of relations by Washington, a claim the US government rejected, noting that Rubio met Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan on the sidelines of the Gulf Cooperation Council meeting.

At the same time, Mohammed bin Salman reportedly declined an invitation to attend the G7 summit in France, expressing dissatisfaction with the US handling of the conflict.

Disagreements predated the war

The Wall Street Journal notes that disagreements began even before hostilities erupted.

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states had warned Washington that an attempt to overthrow the Iranian regime could lead to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, destabilize global oil markets, and severely harm the world economy.

They had also publicly stated they would not allow their territory or airspace to be used for attacks against Iran.

Despite initial reservations, during the conflict Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries reportedly allowed the US to use their bases for military operations, and later even participated—according to American and Arab officials—in operations against Iranian missile and drone systems, though without publicly acknowledging it.

Iran responded with missile and drone strikes against energy facilities, airports, and other critical infrastructure in the Gulf, increasing Saudi concerns over the security of its oil installations.

According to the report, Saudi Arabia asked the United States to pressure the United Arab Emirates to halt attacks on Iran and return to diplomacy, while also urging Washington to lift the blockade on Iranian ports and restart negotiations with Tehran.

Despite these requests, the Trump administration maintained the blockade and did not reactivate “Project Freedom.” Instead, according to the same sources, the US quietly coordinated commercial shipping through the Persian Gulf during nighttime hours with transponders switched off.