Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi says his country’s proposed military support for Saudi Arabia would focus on defending the kingdom’s territory and borders, and would not involve attacks on Yemen. 

Sisi made the statement at a government event, Egypt Forum 2026, amid tensions involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement. 

The Egyptian leader said the proposed support was strictly defensive, adding that the region could not afford further instability and that efforts should focus on restoring stability in affected countries. Sisi had earlier asked Egypt’s parliament to authorise military support for Saudi Arabia in its conflict with the Houthis, if requested. 

The Egyptian parliament has since held two rare closed-door sessions on the proposal but postponed further deliberations until next week. Meanwhile, a high-level Egyptian delegation visited Riyadh following Sisi’s remarks. 

According to the Saudi Press Agency, Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, and intelligence chief, Hassan Rashad, delivered a letter from Sisi to Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. 

The proposed military support comes amid regional security concerns, with Cairo emphasising that any assistance would be aimed at protecting Saudi territory rather than expanding military operations into Yemen.