Riyadh, July 30 -- Saudi Arabia has proposed the creation of a multinational maritime defence alliance involving 43 countries to strengthen security across the Red Sea and safeguard one of the world's busiest trade routes amid escalating regional tensions.

The proposal was announced on Thursday, July 30, after the Saudi Ministry of Defence hosted a meeting in Riyadh attended by chiefs of staff and military representatives from 43 countries, along with the European Union delegation.

According to the ministry, the proposed alliance aims to enhance maritime security, protect international shipping lanes and energy supply routes, and counter growing threats targeting commercial vessels, oil tankers and maritime infrastructure in the Bab el-...