Saudi Arabia is seeking to establish an international coalition following growing threats posed by Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea, with the aim of safeguarding global maritime trade.
According to the British news agency Reuters, sources familiar with the matter said that the final list of countries joining the coalition has not yet been determined, although consultations are ongoing with dozens of nations.
The rising tensions in the Red Sea come at a time when the global economy is already under pressure due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Experts warn that if commercial shipping routes in the Red Sea also become unsafe, the global transportation of energy supplies and other goods could face further disruption.
On July 20, Yemen’s Houthi group announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. The Houthis stated that the Saudi-led coalition has imposed an “unjust and oppressive blockade” on Yemen for nearly 12 years, exploited the country’s resources, and subjected it to a comprehensive siege.
The Houthis claimed that following the announcement of the blockade, they targeted Saudi vessels in the Red Sea. In response, Saudi Arabia carried out airstrikes on locations in Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah, which it described as Houthi military installations. Saudi officials said these facilities were being used to threaten commercial shipping.
Reuters reported that it sought comment from the Saudi Center for International Communication, but the agency did not respond.
The report added that the evolving situation in the Red Sea has opened a new front for the United States and its allies, as it further expands the scope of the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel.
As a result, oil tankers and other cargo ships have also come under increased threat, contributing to a rise in global oil prices.
Victoria Gatenby, a journalist with the Arab broadcaster Al Jazeera, said that Gulf countries have consistently sought to prevent further escalation during the U.S.-Iran confrontation. They do not regard this conflict as their own and have repeatedly stated that they do not want to be drawn into it.
Meanwhile, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud received phone calls from the foreign ministers of Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, the leaders emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to reduce regional tensions.
The ministry said that the three foreign ministers also condemned attacks by Iran and “Iran-linked militias in Iraq and Yemen” and agreed to strengthen cooperation and joint action through the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
