14 Nations Join Saudi-Led Red Sea Naval Coalition

Saudi Arabia and 13 other nations signed a joint statement in Riyadh on Thursday to form a multinational defensive maritime coalition guarding the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden amid Houthi blockades. The alliance aims to protect freedom of navigation and energy shipments, with oil prices approaching $90. Saudi Arabia will host the coalition's headquarters and command structure.