Saudis feared Trump’s Project Freedom would spur Iran to attack, officials say NBC News Top Stories By: Courtney Kube · Mosheh Gains · Garrett Haake · Natasha Lebedeva 8 May 2026 at 21:47 Saudi officials were angered by President Donald Trump’s surprise announcement that the U.S. would start guiding ships through the Strait of Hormuz, fearing the move could spur more Iranian attacks on Gulf allies. © Yuri GripasPresident Donald Trump in the East Room of the White House on Wednesday.