According to The Wall Street Journal, one of the most consequential behind-the-scenes developments during the U.S.-Iran conflict was a major dispute between Washington and Riyadh. The report confirms earlier accounts that Saudi Arabia initially refused to allow the U.S. military to use its bases and airspace for Project Freedom, the operation aimed at protecting commercial shipping and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The refusal reportedly forced the United States to halt the mission shortly after it began. The Journal also reports that the Trump administration warned Saudi Arabia it could delay deliveries of critical air defense interceptors unless the kingdom reversed its position. Saudi Arabia ultimately agreed, but the episode reportedly revealed one of the most serious strains in the U.S.-Saudi security relationship in years.