Egypt President Sisi Seeks Parliamentary Approval for Saudi Defense

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi has requested that the country’s parliament convene for an emergency session this Sunday. The legislative body is expected to deliberate on authorizing support for Saudi Arabian defenses, specifically in response to escalating Houthi-led attacks, should the kingdom officially request assistance. According to shortly after Sisi’s remarks, state media, Parliament would convene an emergency session on Sunday at the president’s request, but gave no further details.

Saudi Arabia currently leads the coalition supporting Yemen’s recognized government in its ongoing civil war against the Iran-aligned Houthi faction. Although Egypt has participated in this intervention since 2015, its involvement has primarily focused on the protection of maritime routes in the Red Sea rather than direct participation in frontline combat operations.

Regional security concerns have intensified since July, as the Houthis have increased their frequency of strikes against Saudi assets, including critical energy facilities and Riyadh’s international airport. A recent attack at the airport resulted in 13 deaths. Furthermore, the militants have declared a maritime blockade and seized territory surrounding the Bab Al Mandab Strait, a vital chokepoint for global oil exports that has grown in strategic importance as Iran attempts to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

During a speech at the Egyptian military academy, President Sisi emphasized that it would be inconceivable for Cairo to remain indifferent if the security of Saudi Arabia were compromised. He stated that Egypt, under the guidance of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, is prepared to act to defend the Gulf, though he clarified, “I’m not talking about fighting anyone or attacking anyone; we are speaking only about defence.” Egypt, of course, with the directives of His Majesty King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, will carry out any measure to protect you or defend you,” he said. According to sisi, Cairo stood “with full force and support to protect and defend the lands of our brothers in the Gulf”, before asking attendees to stand and give a military salute to Gulf states.

The economic impact of the regional conflict remains a major concern for Egypt. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty recently noted that the Suez Canal has suffered a revenue loss of approximately $11 billion since the Houthis began targeting commercial vessels in 2023, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. This disruption threatens a primary source of foreign currency for the Egyptian economy.

Diplomatic discussions between Cairo and Riyadh have been ongoing, with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman visiting Egypt last month.

Both nations have repeatedly underscored the necessity of securing the Red Sea as a gateway for international trade. A vital trade route and the gateway to the Suez Canal, the two leaders also called for free and secure navigation in the Red Sea.

Despite these close ties, Egypt has remained cautious regarding broader regional military alliances. While Turkey invited Cairo to join the Makkah agreement—a mutual defense pact involving Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan—Egypt has yet to commit, stating that it is currently reviewing the proposal in depth. According to cairo, however,, It was studying the agreement “in depth” and has yet to take a position on joining.