The relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia appears to be entering a new phase of tension, as Washington weighs the possibility of reducing the American military presence in the kingdom.
A Wall Street Journal report says the US administration is discussing relocating some of its troops in the Middle East to countries that more clearly supported American operations during the recent crisis, such as Israel and Jordan. However, according to the same report, no final decision has yet been made.
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According to the Wall Street Journal, tensions between the two partners deepened during the American operation “Project Liberty,” which aimed to secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. At first, Saudi Arabia refused the use of its military bases and airspace, insisting that the confrontation with Iran be resolved through negotiations rather than military action. As a result, the US was forced to halt the operation just a few days after it had been announced by President Donald Trump.
The report also emphasizes that the US administration signaled to Riyadh that shipments of interceptor missiles, considered essential for defense against Iranian threats, could be delayed if Saudi Arabia did not change its position. Although the kingdom later allowed the use of its bases and airspace, American officials believe bilateral relations have suffered a major blow.
The report also mentions tense phone calls between President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, described as among the most difficult in relations between the two countries in recent years.
The deterioration in the diplomatic climate was also reflected in the regional tour of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He visited the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Bahrain, but not Saudi Arabia. Sources close to Riyadh saw this as a sign of cooling relations, while Washington rejected that interpretation, stressing that Rubio met with the Saudi foreign minister within the framework of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
According to the report, differences between the two countries had emerged even before the conflict escalated. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries had warned the US that an attempt to topple the Iranian regime could destabilize the region, lead to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and hit global energy markets.
However, during the conflict, Saudi Arabia and its allies allowed the US to use military bases and, according to American and Arab officials, took part non-publicly in operations against Iranian missile and drone systems.
Meanwhile, Iran retaliated with attacks on energy facilities, airports and critical infrastructure in Gulf countries, increasing security concerns in the region. The report adds that Riyadh asked Washington to return to the diplomatic path, lift the blockade on Iranian ports and restart negotiations with Tehran. Despite these requests, the Trump administration did not put “Project Liberty” back into operation, but continued discreetly coordinating the passage of commercial ships in the Persian Gulf at night.
