Egypt seeks parliamentary approval for possible military support to Saudi Arabia

Cairo, Egypt. Egypt is prepared to help Saudi Arabia safeguard its stability and security, the Egyptian presidency said on Sunday, as Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis step up attacks against the kingdom. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi sought an emergency parliamentary sitting to approve military assistance should the Gulf ally request it.

Parliamentary discussions continue

Two lawmakers and reports in local media said deliberations would carry into Monday, although a parliamentary vote had initially been anticipated on Sunday.

Egypt is a regional military power with armed forces that rank among the largest in the Arab world. Its presidency issued the pledge after Sisi chaired a National Defence Council meeting attended by the speaker of parliament, prime minister and army chief.

“Egypt will provide Saudi Arabia with all necessary and possible forms of support to defend its security and stability, protect its resources, territorial integrity and Islamic holy sites,” the presidency said.

Diplomatic contacts with Saudi Arabia

Hours after parliament announced that discussions would continue, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty wrote on X that he had spoken by telephone with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. Abdelatty said they addressed regional developments and the need to reduce tensions.

In a speech on Saturday, Sisi said Egypt would follow guidance from King Salman of Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The crown prince visited Sisi on September 15 after hostilities resumed in Yemen.

Yemen fighting adds to regional escalation

Recent weeks have brought heavier fighting between the Houthis and a coalition led by Saudi Arabia that supports Yemen’s internationally recognised government. The Houthis hold Sanaa, the capital, and large areas of northern Yemen. The conflict has become an additional front in the war being waged by the United States and Israel against Iran.

Following the breakdown of a truce, Houthi forces have made advances that endanger the strategic Bab el-Mandeb route used for oil shipments. Amid renewed clashes with Saudi-backed forces, the group has recently attacked the international airport in Riyadh and Saudi Aramco, the state-owned oil company.

Egyptian military assistance to Saudi Arabia could significantly escalate the broader conflict with Iran. Since American and Israeli attacks on Iran began in late February, the war has endangered worldwide energy supplies and driven oil prices sharply higher.