Media: Saudi Arabia seeks international coalition to counter Houthi Red Sea threat

Saudi Arabia is seeking to establish an international coalition to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea following a series of attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement, according to two sources familiar with the discussions.

The proposed coalition is still being developed, with Riyadh holding talks with dozens of countries. The final composition of the group has yet to be decided, Reuters reports.

The move comes after the Iran-backed Houthis announced on July 20 that they would impose a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea, accusing Riyadh of maintaining a siege on Yemen — a claim Saudi Arabia has rejected.

Since then, the Houthis say they have carried out attacks on Saudi vessels operating in the Red Sea. In response, Saudi Arabia has launched air strikes on what it describes as Houthi military facilities at Yemen's Hodeidah port, saying the sites were being used to threaten international shipping.

The escalation has opened a new front in the broader regional conflict involving Iran, the United States and its allies, extending attacks on energy and commercial shipping beyond the Gulf into the Red Sea. The disruption has also contributed to higher global oil prices.

By Aghakazim Guliyev