The New York Times reported that the United States and several European countries have expressed reluctance to join a maritime coalition proposed by Saudi Arabia. So far, only 14 countries have joined out of 51 invited, despite 43 nations attending the foundational meeting on Thursday.

Western officials disclosed European capitals' unwillingness to join the new alliance, noting that the current situation in the region's seas cannot withstand further complexity. They emphasized that it remains unclear how this new coalition would differ from the European Union's ongoing operation in the Red Sea, known as "Aspides," which many Western capitals acknowledge has failed and proven incapable of making any meaningful difference.

Western think tanks affirm that Saudi Arabia is seeking to avoid a direct confrontation with the Yemenis, recognizing their capability to disrupt maritime navigation to and from Saudi Arabia, as well as their ability to deliver painful strikes against the Kingdom's critical infrastructure and oil strategy.

It is expected that non-influential countries may join the alliance due to Saudi insistence, driven by financial incentives offered by Riyadh to anyone participating in the initiative—a venture that appears destined for failure, much like several of its predecessors that were stillborn on this front.