Saudi Arabia has announced a multinational maritime defence coalition involving 13 countries, including Bangladesh, Pakistan and Turkey, to protect navigation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The report, published on August 1, 2026, said Saudi Arabia's defence ministry described the alliance as entirely defensive and not aimed at any state.

The initiative comes as the Strait of Hormuz has become effectively inoperable following the Iran-United States conflict, while Iran-backed Houthi rebels have carried out drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea and declared a naval blockade at Bab al-Mandab. The route carries an estimated 10 to 12 percent of global maritime trade and four to five million barrels of oil daily. Analysts said further disruption could raise oil-price volatility and pressure import-dependent Bangladesh through inflation and foreign-exchange costs.

Analysts cited Saudi Arabia's role as Bangladesh's largest labour market, with more than 2.5 million Bangladeshis working there, alongside economic ties and naval training opportunities. They also warned that participation could strain relations with Iran and challenge Bangladesh's neutral diplomatic posture. Questions remain over Bangladesh's operational role, responsibility for losses, and insurance and benefits for deployed personnel.