Sisi says Egypt ready to defend Saudi Arabia ‘if requested’

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi declared on Saturday that Egypt is prepared to defend Saudi Arabia if the request arises, amid escalating tensions between the two nations and Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. The Houthis have been launching repeated attacks on Saudi targets, including energy facilities and the capital Riyadh's international airport, resulting in the death of 13 people last week.

Moreover, the Houthis have imposed a blockade on the Bab al-Mandab Strait, exerting pressure on energy exports and heightening the strain on already weak relations between the two countries.

During a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian military academy, Sisi emphasized that Egypt is not seeking involvement in regional conflicts, but he reiterated that Egypt would not remain passive if Saudi Arabia's security and stability were threatened. He noted that any action taken would require parliamentary approval and hoped that an emergency session would be convened to grant authorization if requested.

Sisi clarified that his remarks are not about waging war or attacking anyone, but rather about ensuring defense. The clash with the Houthis poses not only a threat to Saudi Arabia's security and energy exports but also to Egypt, as the disruption of Red Sea shipping could further diminish revenues from the vital Suez Canal.

During a visit to Egypt last month, the de facto Saudi leader, Mohammed bin Salman, and Sisi discussed the importance of free and secure navigation in the Red Sea, a crucial trade route. However, Egypt has not joined the Mecca agreement, a mutual defense pact signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan in August, with Cairo typically favoring diplomatic solutions over participation in military alliances.