Saudi Arabia to host int'l meeting to establish maritime defense coalition, 14 nations join

CAIRO - 30 July 2026: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense announced it will host an international meeting to discuss a Kingdom-led initiative establishing a multinational maritime defense coalition aimed at securing navigation in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait, and Gulf of Aden.

Fourteen countries have officially confirmed their support and intent to join the new naval alliance, according to the ministry, while several other nations are completing internal procedures and national approvals to participate.

The Saudi initiative comes as part of broader regional efforts to safeguard international shipping lanes, protect global trade, and ensure maritime security across strategic waterways against potential security threats or attacks targeting vessel movement.