Egypt pushes diplomatic talks while parliament debates military aid to Saudi Arabia
Egypt's foreign minister urged diplomatic solutions for Yemen as the Egyptian parliament delayed a vote on sending military support to Saudi Arabia.
Egypt is advocating for every possible diplomatic avenue to end the Yemen war, according to Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, while its parliament prepares to vote on authorising military assistance to Saudi Arabia. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi urged an urgent session, but lawmakers deferred the decision until later in the week for more deliberation. Abdelatty and intelligence chief Hassan Rashad traveled to Riyadh to hand a letter from Sisi to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, emphasizing that any Egyptian involvement would be confined to defending Saudi borders, not offensive actions in Yemen.
The proposal follows escalating clashes near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, threatening Red Sea shipping and the Suez Canal. Saudi Arabia remains a vital strategic and economic partner for Egypt, providing substantial aid and energy supplies. Houthi leader Yahya Ali al-Rai warned that Egyptian participation would jeopardise its own security.
Why it matters
Egypt's potential military role could widen the Yemen conflict and affect Red Sea shipping routes.
How this story developed
- Oct 5 Yemeni government troops capture key positions on Bab el-Mandeb Strait
- Oct 13 A missile hit the administrative building of Saudi Aramco in Dhahran, causing a minor blaze but no injuries.
- Oct 14 The coalition struck Sanaa’s al‑Suhaba fuel facility and warned nearby residents to evacuate.
- Oct 15 Turkey announced it is reviewing defensive support for Saudi Arabia under the Mecca pact.
- Oct 15 Saudi‑led coalition launched air strikes on Houthi positions in Sanaa, breaking the 2022 ceasefire
- Oct 16 Missiles hit Aden airport and a ballistic missile targeting Yanbu was intercepted.
- Oct 17 President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said Egypt stands ready to defend Saudi Arabia if requested and called for an emergency parliamentary session to authorize such action.
- Oct 18 Egyptian parliament scheduled an emergency plenary meeting to consider a defence mandate for Saudi Arabia.
- Oct 19 The U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia warned Americans of ongoing missile and drone attacks on major airports and imposed travel restrictions on U.S. government staff.
- Oct 19 At least 18 people were killed and more than 30 injured when Houthi forces fired three ballistic missiles at the al-Aiam military camp in Shabwa during a training drill.
- Oct 19 The Houthis publicly claimed the missiles hit Saudi officers.
- Oct 20 Parliament announced a plenary meeting to discuss the request, with a vote expected this week.
- Oct 21 US removed non‑essential embassy personnel from Saudi Arabia.
- Oct 22 Relatives of diplomatic staff in other Gulf countries may also be asked to leave.
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