Egypt's Sisi seeks parliamentary approval to deploy Egyptian military in support of Saudi Arabia

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has requested a parliamentary session to authorize the Egyptian military to support Saudi Arabia in defense of its security, stability and resources, according to the presidency. The request comes as the Houthis, Iran-allied rebels controlling Yemen's capital Sanaa and much of the north, have intensified attacks on the kingdom, threatening the strategic Bab el-Mandeb oil shipping route.

Sisi stated that Egypt would provide all necessary and possible forms of support to protect its security, resources, territorial integrity and Islamic holy sites. The parliamentary vote on the authorization was expected on Sunday, but discussions will continue on Monday. The crisis has raised concerns about a major escalation in the broader Iran war, which has threatened global energy supplies and sent oil prices soaring since US and Israeli attacks on Iran in late February.