Saudi Arabia is actively seeking to form an international coalition aimed at safeguarding maritime traffic in the Red Sea from escalating attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels. People familiar with the ongoing deliberations have indicated that Riyadh is engaging with dozens of countries to define the composition of this potential alliance, though specifics remain under discussion.

The push for a multinational force comes as tensions in the Red Sea escalate, threatening to further destabilize a global economic outlook already strained by other geopolitical factors, including disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The Houthis announced a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia on July 20, citing the nearly 12-year "unjust and oppressive siege" and "plundering" of Yemeni resources.

Following the blockade announcement, the Houthis stated they launched attacks targeting Saudi vessels in the Red Sea. In response, Saudi Arabia conducted air strikes against what it described as Houthi military facilities at Yemen's Hodeidah port, which it claims are used to threaten commercial shipping. The Saudi Center for International Communication did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters.

These attacks represent a new front in the broader regional conflict involving Iran and its allies, extending threats to energy and supply tankers beyond the Persian Gulf and contributing to rising oil prices. Analysts note that Gulf states have generally sought to avoid direct entanglement in the wider US-Iran conflict, emphasizing their desire not to be "dragged into it."

Diplomatic efforts are underway, with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, engaging in calls with his counterparts from Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. These discussions focused on de-escalating tensions and condemning attacks by Iran and its "affiliated militias in Iraq and Yemen." The ministers also stressed the importance of continued coordination and stronger joint action through the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Meanwhile, a minister from Yemen's internationally recognized government accused the Houthi rebels of acting under Iranian direction. Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani described the Houthi blockade as a "dangerous escalation" intended to establish a system for imposing fees on ships transiting the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a critical global maritime corridor.

The Houthis' ambition appears to be mirroring Iran's past actions in the Strait of Hormuz, seeking to control a vital waterway. This strategy could have significant implications for global trade and energy security, given the Red Sea's importance for shipping between Europe and Asia.

Questions remain about the extent of international participation in the proposed coalition and the specific strategies that will be employed to counter the Houthi threat. The success of such an initiative will likely depend on broad cooperation and a unified approach to securing this strategically vital maritime route.