Al-Monitor reports, citing two senior diplomatic sources and a senior American official, that Saudi Arabia plans to establish a new multinational military coalition in the Red Sea to prevent Iran-backed groups from restricting movement in the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The initiative could be announced as early as Thursday, coinciding with a deadline for about 50 countries, including the US, Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey, to announce participation.
Al-Monitor reported Wednesday evening, citing two senior diplomatic sources and a senior American official, that Saudi Arabia is planning to establish a new multinational military coalition in the Red Sea. The initiative aims to prevent Iran-backed groups from restricting movement in the strategic Bab el-Mandeb strait, a key chokepoint for global trade and Israeli shipping. According to the sources, the Saudi-led coalition could be announced as early as Thursday, which also serves as the deadline for approximately 50 countries — including the United States, Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey — to confirm their participation.
The Zioneer reported earlier this evening (23:14 Jerusalem) that Saudi Arabia was seeking an international coalition for Red Sea security, based on a ynet report. The new Al-Monitor report provides more specific details: the coalition is explicitly multinational and led by Riyadh, with a defined purpose of countering Iran-backed attempts to restrict maritime movement through Bab el-Mandeb, and a concrete timeline for announcement.
This development follows months of escalating threats to Red Sea security. The Iran-backed Houthi movement has repeatedly threatened to blockade Bab el-Mandeb, and has conducted naval siege declarations and attacks on shipping. The United States has conducted significant strikes against Houthi positions, and the US Central Command has imposed a blockade on Iran. Previous reports indicated that the US, Israel, and Gulf states were preparing joint operations against Iran and the Houthis (The Zioneer, July 2026).
The report is based on diplomatic and American sources and has not yet been confirmed by official Saudi or US channels. The outcome of the Thursday deadline will determine whether the coalition proceeds as planned.
3 developments
- DevelopingSaudi Arabia prepares 'violent wave' of strikes against Houthis, warns of Iranian attack plans
- DevelopingSaudi Arabia takes Iran, Houthi threats 'very seriously,' regional sources say
- DevelopingHouthis reportedly fire on Saudi vessel in Red Sea, analyst says
- DevelopingMaritime insurers reportedly refuse to cover Saudi-linked goods in Red Sea over Houthi attacks
Source and signal
- Open-source intake