Saudi Arabia says 14 countries backing maritime alliance to protect shipping routes

The US-Iran conflict is pulling in more countries, including Egypt, which was struck for the first time this week. Here's the latest

• Maritime alliance: The Saudi defense ministry said today that 14 countries have backed the kingdom’s proposal to establish a “Maritime Defense Alliance” to protect international shipping routes and global trade. • Drone strike: The announcement comes as the US-Iran conflict is pulling in more countries. Egypt reported that a drone strike Wednesday caused a fire on two ships in the port of Damietta. No party has claimed responsibility. If confirmed as a deliberate strike, it would mark the first time Egypt has been directly drawn into the conflict. • Vow of retribution: In Tehran, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed and that the “aggressor will be punished today.” It follows a “heavy wave of US strikes” late Wednesday in retaliation for Tehran’s attempted attack on US military positions on Tuesday. Read More....