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US to Convene Middle East Summit amid Red Sea Threat

FREIGHT

The US is seeking a regional coalition to secure the Red Sea shipping corridor, with a virtual summit set for Dec. 19.

  • "This is an international problem and it deserves an international response," US defence secretary Lloyd Austin said
  • However, an international coalition could be complicated by differing approaches to Yemen.
  • Saudi Arabia has entered normalisation negotiations with key Houthi backer Iran and has also engaged in peace talks with the Houthis. However, the UAE maintains a more combative position.
  • Houthis have been attacking ships by rocket and naval drone in the Bab al-Mandab strait in a show of support for their allies Hamas.
  • BP and Euronav announced Dec. 18 that they were suspending operations in the area, mirroring the earlier decisions of MSC, CMA CGM, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd.

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