Egypt seeks parliamentary approval to defend Saudi Arabia if requested

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has asked the nation's parliament to convene for an emergency session to approve potential military action aimed at defending Saudi Arabia, should Riyadh formally request it.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony for military colleges and the Egyptian Military Academy, Sisi pledged that Cairo would take necessary measures to protect Saudi territory, sovereignty, and security. He clarified that any deployment would be strictly defensive, emphasizing that Egypt does not intend to launch offensive attacks or initiate conflicts with other nations.

According to Sisi, parliamentary consent is required by law prior to engaging in any such intervention. He called upon lawmakers to grant the executive branch the mandate needed to respond if a direct appeal is made by Saudi leadership, specifically King Salman bin Abdulaziz or Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Sisi underscored Egypt's enduring strategic ties with Gulf nations, referencing their sustained economic and political support for Egypt over past years. He stated that Egypt stands resolutely behind the protection of partner nations across the Gulf and advocated for a broader cessation of hostilities within the region.

During the same address, Sisi spoke about domestic politics, stating conclusively that his term as president will conclude in 2030. He rejected suggestions of modifying the national constitution to extend his rule, saying the matter had been permanently resolved and that his primary goal is to hand over a stable and capable state.

Describing Egypt's military as the primary pillar of domestic stability, Sisi stressed that preserving the strength of the armed forces remains a shared duty. He added that the preservation of national cohesion depends heavily on public awareness and the fundamental strength of the family unit.