Saudi Arabia is actively pursuing the formation of an international coalition to safeguard commercial shipping in the Red Sea from attacks by Houthi forces. According to two individuals familiar with the matter, discussions are currently underway with dozens of countries regarding the potential composition of this alliance, though the final structure has not yet been established.
The push for collective maritime security follows a series of escalations in the region. On 20 July, the Iran-aligned Houthi movement declared its intention to impose a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia within the Red Sea, claiming the action was a response to a Saudi-led siege on Yemen—an allegation that Riyadh has consistently denied. Since that announcement, the Houthis have reported conducting multiple attacks against Saudi vessels.
In response to the threat, Saudi Arabia has carried out air strikes targeting Houthi military infrastructure at Yemen’s Hodeidah port, which the kingdom maintains were being used to threaten international commercial shipping. The Saudi Center for International Communication did not immediately provide a comment regarding the proposed coalition.
The ongoing maritime blockade has introduced a new front in the wider conflict involving the United States and its allies, effectively expanding the scope of hostilities beyond the Gulf. The instability has impacted tankers carrying energy and other essential supplies, contributing to a rise in global oil prices.
