Egypt pledges military support to Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks; parliament weighs authorization
What happened
Egypt's presidency said Sunday, October 18, that Cairo will provide Saudi Arabia with 'all necessary and possible forms of support to defend its security and stability, protect its resources, territorial integrity and Islamic holy sites,' following a meeting of Egypt's National Defence Council chaired by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Sisi had asked parliament to authorize the military — one of the region's largest — to help defend Saudi Arabia if the kingdom requests it, saying Saturday it was unthinkable to allow harm to Saudi security. Parliament held an urgent session Sunday afternoon, with discussions extending into Monday. The move follows intensified Houthi strikes on Riyadh's airport and Aramco facilities, and Saudi Arabia's diplomatic push to rally regional partners, including a meeting between its defense minister and the UAE president on Sunday.
Why it matters & what’s next are part of Pro, along with the audio summary.
Start your free 14-day trialWho’s affected
- Crude oil (Brent/WTI) — escalation risk premium on Gulf and Red Sea supply routes
- Tanker shipping — war-risk insurance and rates already at record highs after Hormuz mine strikes
- Defense contractors — regional air/missile-defense demand if Egypt deploys assets
- Airlines and shipping — Red Sea/Suez routing disruption