{
  "id": 15336534,
  "title": "Egypt ‘ready to defend’ Saudi Arabia against Houthis",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/egypt-ready-to-defend-saudi-arabia-against-houthis",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T02:28:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn",
    "slug": "dawn",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2037985/egypt-ready-to-defend-saudi-arabia-against-houthis"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Caesar Sisi, Egypt's President, declared on Saturday that Egypt stood ready to defend Saudi Arabia should it request assistance, as tensions escalated due to ongoing hostilities between Saudi forces and Houthi rebels in Yemen. Addressing a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian Military Academy, Sisi stated Egypt was \"not seeking a role in regional conflicts,\" but emphasized that it would take \"any measure to protect\" Saudi Arabia if its security or stability were threatened. He further noted that any deployment would necessitate parliamentary approval and expressed optimism that lawmakers would convene an emergency session to authorize support, should the need arise. Sisi clarified that his comments pertained solely to defense, not offense. The Egyptian state media reported that parliament would convene an emergency session on Sunday to deliberate on possible support for Saudi defences. Egypt has been a member of the Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen since 2015, primarily contributing to the protection of Red Sea shipping routes. The renewed conflict also poses risks to Egypt's economic interests, particularly to revenues generated from the Suez Canal. In October, Egypt's Foreign Minister reported a $11 billion loss in Suez Canal earnings since the Houthis escalated attacks on commercial vessels in 2023. Meanwhile, during a visit to Egypt last month, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Sisi called for secure navigation in the Red Sea. Egypt has not joined the Makkah agreement—a mutual defense pact signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan in August—and has indicated it is reviewing the arrangement. Sisi added that his presidential term would conclude in 2030 and proposed a 30-month program at the Egyptian Military Academy aimed at preparing future leaders. He emphasized that a committee would establish selection criteria and legislation for the program, targeting PhD holders from esteemed Egyptian and foreign institutions. Iran, for its part, backed a political resolution to the Saudi-Houthi conflict and reiterated its offer to mediate. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed Iran's support for an \"inclusive and comprehensive political process\" as the most practical and enduring means to resolve the issue. He warned, \"Either we build security together, or we will endure insecurity together,\" and further committed Iran to cooperating with neighboring countries. Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of fomenting the recent Houthi escalation, a claim Tehran denies. On Saturday, Saudi Arabia announced the interception and destruction of four drones over Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and the southern region. The coalition spokesman, Turki al-Malki, stated that the drones were neutralized to thwart Houthi missile and drone strikes on oil facilities, tankers, and airports. Houthi-affiliated media claimed that Saudi air strikes on civilian homes in Yemen killed at least 12 people, including three children, and wounded 16. They also accused Saudi forces of employing cluster bombs, a claim not confirmed by the Saudi-led coalition. The Yemeni conflict has escalated since July, with the Houthis targeting Saudi energy installations, vessels, and Riyadh's international airport, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage. The Houthis have also seized control of areas near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, intensifying pressure on Red Sea shipping and energy exports. On the humanitarian front, the Houthis announced the release of 159 pro-government fighters under an amnesty following their recent territorial gains. The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed the release and provided support, including interviews, health checks, family reunions, and transportation.",
  "summary": "• President Sisi says Cairo will take ‘any measure’ to protect kingdom if asked • Iran backs ‘political process’, offers to mediate • Saudi, Houthi forces trade fire CAIRO: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi pledged on Saturday that Egypt was ready to help defend Saudi Arabia against attacks by Yemen’s Houthi forces if requested, as fighting intensified across the region and Cairo moved…",
  "key_points": [
    "Egypt President Caesar Sisi ready to defend Saudi Arabia against Houthi rebels.",
    "Egyptian parliament to convene emergency session on Sunday for potential support.",
    "Egypt's Suez Canal earnings dropped $11 billion since Houthi attacks in 2023."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}