Egypt’s Sisi seeks authorisation for defence assistance to Saudi Arabia

What the report says

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has asked for an emergency parliamentary session to let him approve any Saudi request for Egyptian defence assistance, according to Al Jazeera. He made the appeal during a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian Military Academy on Saturday, saying Cairo would take “any measure” to help protect Saudi Arabia if asked, while stressing that the offer was strictly for defence and not for offensive action.

The reported request comes amid continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia from Yemen, including strikes on airports and oil infrastructure. Al Jazeera said recent attacks have focused on key sites near Riyadh, with the outlet also citing a deadly strike on King Khalid International Airport earlier this month. The Saudi-backed, internationally recognised government in Yemen has also launched a military campaign to retake territory held by the Houthis.

Al Jazeera added that el-Sisi’s position follows earlier Egyptian-Saudi discussions on Red Sea security, during which Cairo said Saudi Arabia’s security was linked to Egypt’s own national security. The report noted that both countries have an interest in protecting Red Sea shipping and the Bab al-Mandeb route, which matters for regional trade and for Egypt’s Suez Canal revenue.

The article also placed the move in a wider regional context, saying Saudi Arabia already has defence arrangements with Pakistan and Turkiye. In that setting, Egypt’s potential role would add another layer of support as Riyadh seeks to deter further attacks and safeguard maritime routes.