Yemen and the Red Sea

Saudi Arabia launches multinational Red Sea maritime defence coalition

This version is a correction.

DIPLOMACY
Location
Bab el-Mandeb / Red Sea / Gulf of Aden (coalition mandate area)
Actors
Saudi Arabia · Houthis · United States
Importance
Major

Saudi Arabia hosted military representatives from dozens of countries in Riyadh and announced a Saudi-led multinational maritime defence coalition to protect shipping and energy routes in the Bab el-Mandeb, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden after Houthi attacks on Saudi-linked traffic; about 14 states affirmed support as founding partners.

Reuters, Al Jazeera, NYT and Anadolu reported the 30 July 2026 Riyadh meeting (43 countries + EU invited). Saudi MoD said the coalition would safeguard freedom of navigation and energy supply lines with Saudi Arabia as founding leader and permanent headquarters. Founding supporters reported include Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan and other Arab/African states (lists vary slightly by outlet). The United States is not listed as a founding member in open reporting—participants use seed actors only (saudi initiator; houthis affected; usa affected as regional security stakeholder).

Verification: Confirmed

Evidence: Saudi Arabia unveils plans for multinational maritime defence coalition, Why is Saudi Arabia forming a coalition to protect the Red Sea?, Saudi Arabia Forms New Military Coalition to Deter Red Sea Attacks

Multi-outlet coverage of Saudi MoD announcement and founding support; operational deployment timeline not claimed here.