Egypt is prepared to support Saudi Arabia's security but does not plan to engage in attacks against 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, aiming to protect 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 against Saudi Arabia and threats to the strategic maritime routes of the Red Sea. In the days prior, al-Sisi had asked Parliament to authorize potential military support for Riyadh, should it be formally requested. The Assembly held two unusual closed-door sessions, postponing deliberations on the matter to the following week. Some parliamentarians expressed concerns about the possibility of intervention, demanding clear objectives, detailed information on the operation, and assurances for 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 field challenges. This memory continues to influence Cairo's political and strategic debate.
The relationship with Saudi Arabia, however, remains a cornerstone of Egypt's 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, deeming it inconceivable to remain indifferent to threats against Saudi security, especially given 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 diplomatic channels despite growing 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 further complicate the situation. Tehran also stressed that Egypt has the necessary experience to avoid getting entangled in a particularly complex conflict.
Cairo intends to preserve its diplomatic autonomy, maintaining relations with opposing actors, including Israel, Hamas, and Iran. This choice was 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 security and economic consequences. In recent weeks, Houthi attacks against 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 thus 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 day before, the British government had announced plans 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 maritime traffic revenues, which have yet to recover 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.
Confirming 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 finds itself balancing solidarity with a strategic ally with 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 might take and what decision Parliament will make in the coming days. In an increasingly unstable regional context, the government's stated priority remains the protection of national interests, avoiding further escalation of the conflict.
(Associated Medias) - All rights reserved