Saudi Arabia seeks coalition to safeguard Red Sea shipping amid Houthi threats
Saudi officials said they were consulting dozens of countries to form an international coalition to protect vessels navigating the Red Sea after a series of Houthi attacks heightened security concerns. The New York Times reported that at least three oil tankers were attacked in the Red Sea, prompting many ships to alter their routes. The Iran-backed Houthi movement had earlier announced a maritime embargo on Saudi shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, threatening to close the waterway in retaliation for a Saudi blockade and a recent airport attack.
Gulf states accelerated pipeline projects that aim to divert up to 7. 3 million barrels per day of oil by 2028, reflecting broader regional efforts to reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz.
