By announcing its readiness to support Saudi Arabia against threats from Iranian-backed Houthis, Egypt has become a key player in the security developments of the Middle East. This decision was made following the escalation of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and rising tensions in the region.
Egyptian President's Request to Parliament for Military Support
Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the President of Egypt, has requested an urgent session in the country's parliament to allow the military, one of the largest Arab military forces, to defend Saudi Arabia if requested. This session depends on the approval of the parliament, which is expected to continue in the coming days.
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In recent weeks, clashes between the Saudi-led coalition supporting the legitimate Yemeni government and the Houthis, who control the capital Sana'a and large parts of northern Yemen, have intensified. These clashes are seen as a new front in the U.S. and Israel's war against Iran.
Consequences of Egypt's Military Support for Saudi Arabia
Any military support from Egypt to Saudi Arabia could escalate tensions in the Iran war, which poses a threat to global energy supplies and rising oil prices. Following this announcement, Egypt's Foreign Minister, Badr Abdel Atti, emphasized the importance of reducing tensions and regional developments in a phone conversation with his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan.
Recently, the Houthis have attacked Riyadh International Airport and the Saudi oil company Aramco, which poses a threat to vital oil transport routes in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The Egyptian presidency has stated that "Egypt will support Saudi Arabia in all possible forms to defend its security and stability."
In this context, a meeting of Egypt's National Defense Council was held, chaired by el-Sisi and attended by the Speaker of Parliament, the Prime Minister, and the Army Commander. In his speech on Saturday, el-Sisi stated that Egypt would act in coordination with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Saudi Arabia and Egypt are recognized as close strategic and economic partners. Saudi Arabia and other wealthy Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, have provided billions of dollars in aid and investment to Egypt following the ousting of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in 2013.
Saudi Arabia has been seeking to increase regional cooperation and garner support from neighboring countries, including Pakistan, to counter the Houthis. In this context, Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman has traveled to Abu Dhabi and met with Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates. These meetings aim to strengthen regional security.
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