Saudi Arabia plans to establish a multinational military coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea following attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthi militia.
Representatives from 43 countries and the European Union participated in a meeting to discuss the plans, the Saudi Arabian Defense Ministry announced on Thursday. Saudi Arabia is to lead the coalition as its founding and lead state and provide its headquarters.
Fourteen countries, including Turkey, Pakistan, and Egypt, expressed their support in a joint statement. The Houthi militia announced a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea on July 20 and has since claimed responsibility for a series of attacks on shipping. The kingdom responded with airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen.
The tensions in the Red Sea are part of the broader conflict with Iran. The European Union had already launched its own naval mission in the Red Sea in 2024 to ensure freedom of navigation after attacks by the Houthis.