Egypt ready to defend Saudi Arabia if asked: Sisi

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has said Egypt is ready to take necessary measures to defend Saudi Arabia if Riyadh requests assistance, amid escalating Houthi attacks threatening regional security.

Speaking at a military academy graduation ceremony on Saturday (October 17), Sisi said Cairo would not stand by if Saudi Arabia’s security and stability came under threat.

He stressed that any Egyptian military deployment would require parliamentary approval, adding that lawmakers could convene an emergency session if Riyadh formally requested assistance.

Sisi clarified that Egypt was not seeking confrontation or planning to attack any party, but was prepared to act in defence of Saudi Arabia.

The remarks come amid heightened regional tensions over attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group on Saudi targets, including energy facilities and Riyadh’s international airport.