Egypt's Sissi says he'll defend Saudi Arabia, if asked

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Egypt Seeks Parliamentary Approval to Defend Saudi Arabia

   President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is seeking parliamentary authorization to provide defense assistance to Saudi Arabia. This move follows deadly Houthi airport attacks and increasing hostilities. Egyptian defense officials and the country's top security body have pledged to provide all necessary support to protect Saudi security. While Egypt is moving toward military cooperation, it simultaneously maintains diplomatic channels with Iran, with officials in Baghdad urging Tehran to halt escalation and return to a diplomatic path.

   Why it matters

   Saudi Arabia faces ongoing attacks from Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Egypt's potential intervention would place it alongside other regional partners like Turkey and Pakistan. This creates a diplomatic tension as Egypt attempts to balance military support for Riyadh with de-escalation talks with Tehran.

   What is confirmed

   • President Sisi is seeking parliamentary authorization to provide defense assistance to Saudi Arabia.
   • Egypt's top security body and defense officials have pledged support to help Saudi Arabia defend itself against Houthi attacks.
   • Egyptian officials have messaged Iran in Baghdad to halt escalation and return to a diplomatic path.
   • The pledge of support follows a deadly Houthi attack on a Saudi airport.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Egypt is considering joining Pakistan and Turkey in the defense of Saudi Arabia.

   What to watch next

   • Egyptian parliament vote on the defense assistance authorization
   • Official deployment of Egyptian military assets to Saudi Arabia
   • Results of diplomatic talks between Egypt and Iran regarding de-escalation
   Sources used for this update (27)

   1. www.koreaherald.com — S. Korean ambassador to Ukraine returns home amid dispute over N.K. POW disclosure
   2. Al Jazeera — Egypt’s Sisi seeks authorisation for defence assistance to Saudi Arabia
   3. Reuters — Egypt's Sisi seeks parliament's backing to help defend Saudi Arabia if asked
   4. The Times of Israel — Egypt said to mull supporting defense of Saudi Arabia in face of Houthi attacks
   5. dw.com — Egypt's Sissi says he'll defend Saudi Arabia, if asked
   6. Egypt Today — FM, Iranian counterpart discuss de-escalation, resumption of diplomatic path
   7. New York Post — Egypt prepared to defend Saudi Arabia after deadly Houthi airport attack
   8. Al Jazeera — Iran war live: Tankers hit in Hormuz; Israeli settlers attack EU diplomats
   9. صوت الإمارات — Firm messages from Egypt to Iran in Baghdad: Halt the escalation and return to the diplomatic path
   10. Arab News — Egypt says to provide all necessary support to Saudi Arabia to defend its security
   11. Reuters — Egypt says ready to give Saudi Arabia necessary support amid Houthi conflict
   12. Business Insider Africa — A powerful African military considers joining Pakistan and Turkey in defending Saudi Arabia against Iran-backed Houthi attacks
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