US-Saudi Tensions Rise Over Strait of Hormuz Dispute

The dispute over the Strait of Hormuz has caused a serious rift between the US and Saudi Arabia, The Wall Street Journal reports. Washington was forced to suspend the 'Project Freedom' mission to secure the strait after Riyadh refused to provide American forces access to its military bases and airfields. In response, the White House threatened to halt deliveries of interceptor missiles to Saudi Arabia, which are essential for defending against Iranian attacks. This has become one of the sharpest conflicts in US-Saudi relations in recent years. Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio toured the region, deliberately excluding Saudi Arabia from his itinerary. Riyadh is increasingly pursuing an independent policy, drawing closer to Pakistan and Iran.