Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has requested parliamentary authorisation to provide defensive assistance to Saudi Arabia if Riyadh seeks support, amid escalating attacks by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis.
Speaking at the Egyptian Military Academy on Saturday, October 17, Sisi pledged to take necessary measures to protect the kingdom while emphasising that Egypt was not seeking military confrontation.
Parliament subsequently announced an emergency plenary session for Sunday at 1 p.m. local time, although its agenda was not disclosed.
Sisi's announcement follows intensified Houthi strikes against Saudi infrastructure, including airports and facilities operated by state oil company Saudi Aramco.
Attacks on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport earlier this month killed 14 people and wounded more than 300, while other strikes have targeted airports in Dammam, Abha, Jazan and Najran.
The escalation coincides with renewed fighting in Yemen following the collapse of a truce.
Yemen's internationally recognised, Saudi-backed government launched a major military campaign this month to reclaim territory controlled by the Houthis.
Sisi said any Egyptian assistance would follow guidance from Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and require parliamentary approval.
He stressed that the proposed authorisation concerned defensive action rather than attacks against another country.
The developments follow discussions between Sisi and Mohammed bin Salman in Cairo on September 15, focusing partly on Red Sea security and maritime navigation.
Those talks came after Houthi forces seized Yemen's Red Sea coastline, strengthening their position around the strategically important Bab al-Mandeb strait.
Saudi Arabia has also strengthened military coordination with Pakistan and Turkiye through the Mecca Alliance for Defence, established in August.
The three countries subsequently agreed to activate deterrence measures and deploy forces to counter Houthi attacks.
Egypt's concerns extend to shipping through the Red Sea, which directly affects Suez Canal revenue.
Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of encouraging Houthi attacks, allegations Tehran denies.
Iran has also offered assistance in ending the conflict.