A commercial vessel passes through an international shipping lane off Yemen. AFPInfoFirst meeting held in Riyadh days after Houthis resume attacks on shipping The NationalJuly 30, 2026Saudi Arabia has proposed a “maritime defence coalition” involving dozens of countries to protect Red Sea trade routes from attacks by Iran's allies. A first meeting of military representatives took place in Riyadh on Thursday, with 43 nations taking part to discuss the idea, the Saudi Defence Ministry said. The ministry said the aim of the Saudi initiative is to “enhance maritime security, protect international maritime corridors, and counter threats targeting maritime navigation and global trade”. It identified the corridors in question as the Bab Al Mandeb strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden, key trade routes which run along the shores of Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The Red Sea has taken on extra significance during the Iran war as an alternative route for oil exports to the Strait of Hormuz. But that lifeline has itself come under threat due to attacks by the Houthis, who announced a “blockade” of Saudi shipping last week. At least one Saudi-owned tanker has been attacked, while other vessels have turned around or opted for a longer, costlier route via the Suez Canal. It comes with the oil trade already under pressure from the months-long war. An existing Saudi-led coalition in Yemen carried out strikes against the port of Hodeidah last week in what it called a "proportionate military response". This is a developing storyUpdated: July 30, 2026, 4:52 PM