New Delhi, May 8 -- President Donald Trump's sudden decision to pause "Project Freedom" - a US-led effort to help commercial ships safely transit the Strait of Hormuz - came after Saudi Arabia restricted American military access to its bases and airspace, according to a report by NBC News citing two US officials.

The report said Trump's surprise announcement of the operation on social media over the weekend caught key Gulf allies off guard, particularly Saudi Arabia.

According to NBC News, Saudi authorities informed Washington that the US military would not be allowed to operate aircraft from Prince Sultan Airbase near Riyadh or use Saudi airspace to support the mission.

The restrictions reportedly created major logistical complication...