Saudi Arabia Calls for Immediate Halt to Threats Against Maritime Navigation in Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab and Hormuz
RIYADH, November 10, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - Saudi Arabia called on Tuesday for an immediate halt to all activities threatening maritime navigation in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab Strait and Strait of Hormuz, as the government reaffirmed its commitment to regional and international security amid continuing tensions in the Middle East.
The call came during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, where ministers reviewed regional and international developments and reiterated the Kingdom's support for efforts to combat terrorism and armed militant groups.
The Cabinet stressed the need to protect maritime waterways and shipping routes, identifying the Red Sea and the two strategic straits as areas where threats to navigation must cease immediately.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, while the Strait of Hormuz links the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. Both are important maritime corridors for international shipping and energy transportation.
The government's position formed part of a broader review of regional security developments and Saudi Arabia's diplomatic engagement with international partners.
At the start of the meeting, Prince Mohammed briefed ministers on his discussions with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, along with a message received from Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio.
The crown prince also reviewed telephone conversations with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, covering bilateral relations and coordination on regional and international issues.
The Cabinet welcomed the signing of a general agreement to connect Gulf Cooperation Council member states through a railway project, highlighting continued efforts to strengthen economic integration and cooperation among Gulf countries.
Separately, ministers approved a new Consumer Protection Law and cooperation agreements with South Korea on petroleum and gas, Türkiye on railways and Portugal on reciprocal visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic and special passports.
The Cabinet also authorized negotiations and agreements covering telecommunications infrastructure cooperation with Jordan and Syria, investment protection with Bangladesh, maritime cooperation with Cyprus and workforce skills development with Jordan.
On domestic matters, ministers approved customs duty and value-added tax relief for eligible vehicle imports by Saudi scholarship students, government employees performing official duties abroad and accompanying adult family members.
The meeting also reviewed the expansion of the Direct Hajj Program to 133 countries and progress in national development initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030.
Source: Saudi Press Agency (SPA)
