5/7/26: Saudis Turn On Trump Over Project Freedom, Trump Says $8 Gas Is Worth It For Iran War

Krystal and Saagar cover major developments in the ongoing Iran war, including allies pulling support from US military plans and economic pressures mounting at home. They analyze Trump's limited options amid high gas prices, damaged bases, and stalled talks, while noting insider trading probes tied to war news.

Allies Block Project Freedom

Trump abruptly reversed "Project Freedom," a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, after Saudi Arabia and Kuwait denied US access to their bases and airspace. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stood firm in a call with Trump, citing risks from Iranian retaliation like strikes on UAE oil facilities and threats to their own infrastructure. Kuwait has exported no oil for 30 days due to the blockade.

This rejection exposes US military constraints: carriers stay out of Iranian missile range, requiring regional bases for refueling and operations. Satellite images confirm extensive damage to US bases from precise Iranian strikes, forcing troops into hotels. Hosts argue Iran's "horizontal escalation" against Gulf states has succeeded, deterring allies and undermining reports of Saudi enthusiasm for the war. Without cooperation, sustaining the blockade or escalation becomes impractical, signaling a humiliation for US power projection.