Saudi Arabia Forms Maritime Alliance Amid Rising Tensions in Red Sea

Riyadh is forming a maritime alliance to protect its vital shipping routes in the Red Sea. The move comes as tensions rise between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed groups, including the Houthis.

The Houthis have launched attacks on Saudi oil facilities and tankers in the Red Sea, prompting a response from US and Saudi jets targeting Iraqi sites. Iraq's prime minister cancelled a planned meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as a result.

Saudi Arabia has convened military representatives from 43 countries to propose a maritime coalition covering the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden. Thirteen states have signed on, but no firm military commitments were made.