President Donald Trump paused “Project Freedom” to escort ships through Strait of Hormuz after Saudi Arabia rejected use of its airbase.
Kuwait also denied US access to its bases, further complicating the planned naval escort operation.
Iran responded with military force, while Pakistan‑brokered talks moved forward, nearing a one‑page memorandum to end the war.
The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly 20% of global crude, and its closure creates major economic headwinds for Asian markets.