Egypt says ready to back Saudi Arabia in war against Iran-allied Houthis
USO•Egypt says it is ready to provide Saudi Arabia with support to defend its security, while President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi seeks parliamentary authorization for the military to help if requested. Parliament postponed its expected vote until Monday as Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia intensified.
1. Egypt offers support
Egypt’s presidency said the country would provide Saudi Arabia with necessary and possible forms of support to defend its security and stability. Sisi requested an urgent parliamentary session to authorize the military to assist the kingdom if it requested support; lawmakers said discussions would continue on Monday.
2. Houthi attacks intensify
The Houthis have recently attacked Riyadh’s international airport and Saudi Aramco as fighting with Saudi-backed forces has escalated. Their advances threaten the Bab el-Mandeb shipping route, following the collapse of a truce.
3. Regional risks
Egypt previously joined the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen in 2015 but played a limited combat role. The article says the wider Iran war has threatened global energy supplies and sent oil prices soaring since the United States and Israel attacked Iran in late February.
