Saudi crown prince seeks Egypt help as oil rattles

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sought the backing of Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi on Tuesday as the kingdom grapples with increasing attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on its shipping and infrastructure. These attacks have contributed to a surge in global oil prices. The Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, have rapidly gained territory in Yemen and have now taken control of the Red Sea port of Mokha and three strategic islands near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

This has allowed them to effectively block Saudi oil exports out of the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia has largely been fighting the rebels on its own, but this latest offensive has raised concerns about the kingdom's vulnerability to attacks on its oil production. A recent attack damaged the kingdom's largest pipeline, the East-West Pipeline, which is expected to be shut down for weeks while repairs are made, resulting in several million barrels of oil a day being taken off the market.

The Houthi offensive has increased Iran's influence in the region, as the Iranian-backed rebels have attacked shipping through the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with el-Sissi in Cairo to reaffirm their commitment to ensuring the freedom and security of maritime navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

While Egypt is not expected to provide military support to Saudi Arabia, the Arab world's influential country can help rally support. Egypt has been instrumental in mediation efforts in the region's turmoil over the past three years, maintaining relations with all parties involved, including Iran and its allies. The kingdom is facing difficult decisions as the Houthi attacks continue.

Saudi Arabia has been hesitant to launch a major military campaign against the rebels, fearing greater attacks on its oil infrastructure and resurgence in Yemen's civil war. However, with the Houthis making significant gains, including the capture of the Red Sea port of Mokha and strategic islands near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the kingdom may need to consider whether to step up its military response or seek a diplomatic solution.