Egypt is prepared to support Saudi Arabia's security but does not plan to engage in attacks on Yemen. This stance was reiterated on Wednesday, October 22, by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi during the Egypt Forum 2026. The president clarified that any military intervention to support Riyadh would be solely defensive, aimed at protecting Saudi territory and borders from Houthi attacks. "We are talking about defending the kingdom's territory and borders," al-Sisi stated, emphasizing the need to avoid further destabilization in the region. "The situation cannot bear more instability in other countries. We want to contribute to restoring stability in nations that have lost it," he added.
The statements come amid heightened tensions, marked by increased attacks on Saudi Arabia and threats to the strategic maritime routes of the Red Sea. In the preceding days, al-Sisi had asked Parliament to authorize potential military support for Riyadh if formally requested. The Assembly held two unusual closed-door sessions, postponing decisions on the matter to the following week. Some parliamentarians expressed concerns about the possibility of intervention, seeking clear objectives, detailed information on the operation, and assurances on the safety of Egyptian soldiers potentially involved.
In Egypt, direct involvement in a new war in Yemen is a sensitive issue, partly due to the memory of the disastrous military campaign of the 1960s. Under President Gamal Abdel Nasser, thousands of Egyptian soldiers lost their lives in the Yemeni civil conflict, an experience often compared to the Vietnam War for its human costs and challenges faced on the ground. This memory continues to influence Cairo's political and strategic debate.
The relationship with Saudi Arabia, however, remains a cornerstone of Egyptian foreign policy. Riyadh has been a crucial ally for years, providing significant financial support to the al-Sisi administration following the ousting of President Mohamed Morsi in 2013. The Egyptian leader highlighted this bond, calling it inconceivable to remain indifferent to threats against Saudi security, especially considering the support received from the kingdom in the early years of his presidency.
Egypt had already participated in the Saudi-led coalition against the Houthis in 2015, contributing naval and air forces and deploying warships in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Over the past decade, however, Cairo has gradually adopted a more cautious foreign policy, focusing on defending its national interests and avoiding direct involvement in regional conflicts that are difficult to control.
This strategy is also reflected in relations with Iran, with which Egypt maintains open diplomatic channels despite increasing regional tensions. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reiterated that Cairo's approach is based on "wisdom and strategic balance." In recent days, Abdelatty has been in contact with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, who warned that any Egyptian intervention could complicate the situation further. Tehran also emphasized that Egypt has the necessary experience to avoid getting entangled in a particularly complex conflict.
Cairo thus aims to preserve its diplomatic autonomy, maintaining relations with opposing actors, including Israel, Hamas, and Iran. This choice is also confirmed by the decision not to join the Mecca defense pact, signed in August by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, which could have limited Egypt's strategic maneuverability.
Meanwhile, the crisis is having increasingly significant impacts on security and the economy. In recent weeks, Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have intensified, repeatedly targeting Riyadh's airport area and contributing to the postponement of an important international investment event. Threats to maritime traffic also jeopardize Saudi oil exports, fueling concerns among Western partners.
Riyadh has therefore sought to strengthen international support. On Wednesday, during a visit to Saudi Arabia, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that French military forces would help protect the Yanbu oil terminal on the Red Sea. The previous day, the British government had announced its intention to deploy fighter jets to support Saudi defense against attacks.
For Egypt, however, the crisis poses a direct threat to its economic stability. Tensions in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategic passage for ships heading to the Suez Canal, have hurt revenues from maritime traffic, which have not yet recovered from the effects of Houthi attacks that began in 2023. A further deterioration of the situation could exacerbate the country's economic difficulties, making the decision for potential military involvement even more complex.
In a testament to the intensity of diplomatic relations between the two allies, a high-level Egyptian delegation, including Foreign Minister Abdelatty and intelligence chief Hassan Rashad, visited Riyadh on Wednesday to deliver a message from Sisi to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The content of the communication was not disclosed.
Cairo thus faces the challenge of balancing solidarity with a strategic ally and the need to avoid a new military campaign in Yemen. Al-Sisi's words outline a clear line: protect Saudi Arabia without turning defensive support into a direct attack on Yemeni territory. It remains to be seen what form Egyptian assistance will take and what decision Parliament will make in the coming days. In an increasingly unstable regional context, the government's declared priority remains safeguarding national interests, avoiding further escalation of the conflict.
(Associated Medias) - All rights reserved