Saudi Arabia’s temporary restrictions on U.S. military access to Prince Sultan Air Base and overflight rights in early May 2026 stemmed directly from Riyadh’s opposition to Washington’s short-lived “Project Freedom” escort operation through the Strait of Hormuz. The limits, imposed after the U.S. announced the mission without prior Gulf coordination, halted launches and transit for that specific effort and prompted an immediate pause by President Trump following an unresolved call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait lifted the measures days later after renewed bilateral talks, restoring general basing and airspace use while clarifying that the step applied only to the Hormuz operation. Ongoing regional tensions with Iran, coupled with Riyadh’s emphasis on protecting its own security interests, remain the key variables that could prompt renewed limits if new U.S. military actions are proposed without advance agreement.