US President Donald Trump has reportedly suspended a proposed naval mission to escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz after Saudi Arabia declined to permit US aircraft involved in the operation to use Prince Sultan Airbase near Riyadh or access Saudi airspace, according to an NBC News report.

Citing American officials, NBC News stated that Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations were unexpectedly informed about Trump’s “Project Freedom” announcement on Sunday. The report added that Trump personally contacted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman but was unable to secure approval. Responding to questions about whether Saudi officials were surprised by the operation, a Saudi source told NBC News that “events are unfolding rapidly in real time.” The source also noted that Riyadh continues to strongly support diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan aimed at mediating an agreement between the United States and Iran.

A White House official claimed that regional allies had been informed in advance about the operation. However, a West Asian diplomat quoted in the report said Washington only coordinated with Oman after Trump publicly unveiled the initiative. “The US made the announcement first and coordinated later,” the diplomat said, while adding that Oman was neither upset nor angered by the move.

Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation announced on Thursday that it is fully prepared to provide maritime, technical, medical, and logistical assistance to commercial vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters. The announcement came a day after Trump declared a temporary pause in “Project Freedom.”

According to a statement carried by Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, the organisation issued guidance to ship captains aimed at improving maritime safety, vessel readiness, and crew welfare. The advisory, distributed through maritime communication channels at Iranian ports, applies to all vessels navigating the region, especially those near Iranian territorial waters and anchorages.

Iranian authorities stated that ships could access supplies including fuel, provisions, medical services, healthcare support, and authorised repair materials if needed. The Ports and Maritime Organisation said the initiative demonstrates Iran’s commitment to maintaining secure and sustainable maritime traffic in one of the world’s most strategically vital waterways.

The statement further noted that the advisory would be broadcast three times daily for three consecutive days through maritime communication systems and VHF channels across the region. Vessel operators were instructed to contact Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) centres at nearby Iranian ports or communicate via VHF Channel 16 to request assistance. The announcement followed Trump’s statement on Tuesday confirming that “Project Freedom” — designed to support commercial ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened regional tensions — would be temporarily halted, although the naval blockade on Iranian ports would remain active.

In a Truth Social post, Trump said the decision came after requests from Pakistan, which has been mediating peace discussions between Washington and Tehran, along with appeals from several other countries. Trump also claimed the pause reflected significant military successes against Iran and progress toward a possible agreement with Iranian officials. He added that the suspension was intended to determine whether a final agreement between Tehran and Washington could be completed and signed.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from The White House/YouTube.