RIYADH: Reports on social media have claimed that senior military officials from several countries recently met in Saudi Arabia to discuss the formation of a multinational maritime defence coalition aimed at protecting commercial shipping in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks.
The claims, circulated online, state that representatives from countries including the United States, Yemen, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan and New Zealand discussed closer military coordination to safeguard navigation through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints. However, the reported meeting has not been independently confirmed by the participating governments.
Separately, Reuters has reported that Saudi Arabia is seeking to build an international coalition to protect Red Sea shipping, with consultations involving dozens of countries still underway. According to the report, the coalition’s structure and membership remain under discussion and have not yet been finalised.
Vital shipping route under growing pressure
The renewed diplomatic and security efforts follow the Houthis’ declaration of a naval blockade against Saudi-linked shipping in the Red Sea and subsequent attacks they say targeted Saudi vessels. Saudi Arabia has responded with air strikes on Houthi positions, saying the targeted sites threatened commercial navigation.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait serves as a critical gateway connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and carries a significant share of global energy and commercial trade.
Energy markets monitor developments
Analysts warn that any prolonged disruption to shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb could affect global supply chains and place upward pressure on oil prices, although estimates of the potential impact vary.
Governments in the region continue to assess options for strengthening maritime security while seeking to prevent further escalation around one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors.
No official announcement confirming the establishment of a multinational maritime defence coalition had been issued at the time of reporting.
🇸🇦🇾🇪 Army chiefs from a dozen nations just met in Saudi to set up a Maritime Defense Coalition for the Red Sea.
Leaders from the U.S., Yemen, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, New Zealand, and others are ALL coordinating to push back against Houthi threats against the Bab el-Mandeb.
A…
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 30, 2026
