Egypt authorizes military support for Saudi Arabia

Egyptian parliament members approved a motion on Monday to empower the national military with the authority to assist Saudi Arabia. This legislative step allows Cairo to respond directly if Riyadh requests help in defending against Yemen’s Houthi forces.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi requested this approval during the previous week. He sought parliamentary consent to defend the Gulf ally and major oil exporter against the Iran-backed Houthis. The group’s expanding attacks threaten the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical waterway leading to Egypt’s Suez Canal.

Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stated this month that Egyptian membership in the Mecca mutual defense pact remains under serious consideration. That pact was signed in August by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey. Although Egypt has long condemned Iranian-backed strikes on Gulf states, it has not engaged in direct combat or joined that specific alliance until now.

Cairo sent Foreign Minister Abdelatty and intelligence chief Hassan Rashad to Riyadh on Wednesday. The officials delivered a letter from Sisi to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Sisi specified that Egyptian support would focus on defending Saudi territory and borders rather than launching attacks inside Yemen. Abdelatty added after the trip that Cairo supports exploring every diplomatic opportunity to end the Yemen conflict.

Egypt previously joined the Saudi-led coalition in March 2015. It contributed warships to secure Red Sea shipping lanes and pledged air support. The nation also deployed approximately 800 ground troops but maintained a limited combat role during that earlier phase of the war.

Saudi Arabia provides Egypt with billions of dollars in aid, central bank deposits, and energy supplies. The two nations have deep political and financial ties. The current escalation in Yemen has become a volatile front in the wider US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Houthi forces have struck Riyadh’s international airport and Saudi Aramco facilities in recent weeks. These attacks have disrupted flights and oil exports. Aid agencies warn that conditions in Yemen are worsening as the country faces one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.