Saudi Crown Prince Seeks Egyptian Support Amid Houthi Attacks on Shipping

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al‑Sisi on Tuesday, seeking the Red Sea neighbour’s political backing as Riyadh confronts a wave of Houthi‑driven attacks on its maritime routes and critical infrastructure. The Yemeni rebel group has intensified strikes on Saudi‑flagged vessels and oil facilities, disruptions that have contributed to a recent surge in global crude prices. In the discussions, the crown prince emphasized the shared security interests of the two nations and requested coordinated diplomatic and, if necessary, military measures to deter further aggression.

The escalation comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf, where Houthi missiles and drones have targeted Saudi ports, pipelines and offshore platforms, prompting concerns over supply‑chain stability and energy market volatility. Analysts note that the attacks have amplified pressure on oil markets, pushing benchmark prices upward and underscoring the strategic importance of Saudi‑Egypt cooperation. Both governments indicated a willingness to deepen joint efforts, signalling a unified front aimed at safeguarding regional trade routes and stabilising the global oil market.