Saudi, Egypt leaders call for free, secure Red Sea navigation

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met in Cairo on Tuesday to advocate for unrestricted and secure passage through the Red Sea. The two regional powers addressed the threat posed by Iran-backed Houthis, who now control the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial shipping route for both Saudi oil exports and Egypt's Suez Canal revenues.

The Saudi presidency emphasized Sisi's backing for measures taken to protect Saudi security and stability. The Bab al-Mandab, the southern entrance to the Red Sea and Suez, has become vital for Saudi oil exports since Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz this year, disrupting Gulf shipments. The Houthis seized control of Yemen's Red Sea coast and Bab al-Mandab last week, threatening the primary route for Saudi oil to Asian markets.

In response, Saudi Arabia has increasingly relied on Egypt's Sumed pipeline to export oil. However, a recent drone attack from Iraq forced the shutdown of the East-West pipeline, causing global oil prices to exceed $100 per barrel. The disruption to shipping through Bab al-Mandab could severely impact Egypt, as it heavily depends on Suez Canal tolls for foreign revenue.

The canal's revenues have dropped to half their 2022/2023 levels, amounting to $4.67 billion for the 2025/2026 fiscal year. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reported that Suez Canal losses amounted to $11 billion. According to Middle East Institute analyst Mirette Mabrouk, the Saudi crown prince seeks assurance that Egypt will support securing Bab al-Mandab if necessary.

While US media reported President Donald Trump rejected Prince Mohammed's request to intervene in the war, Cairo, known for its cautious foreign policy, is unlikely to engage in a military conflict unless absolutely necessary.