On September 15, 2026, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman made a surprise visit to Egypt, meeting with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to discuss regional security concerns, particularly in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Why it matters: This meeting comes at a time of heightened tensions due to aggressive actions by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, which threaten maritime security in the region.
Both leaders agreed to collaborate on ensuring safe navigation in key international waterways, including the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
El-Sisi emphasized that the security of Saudi Arabia and Gulf states is integral to Egypt's national security.
Saudi authorities have pledged a firm response to Houthi attacks, which have escalated since the resumption of the Yemeni civil war in July 2026.
Driving the news: The meeting was prompted by recent Houthi attacks on Saudi vessels in the Red Sea, as well as missile assaults on Saudi cities such as Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif, resulting in injuries.
On September 14, 2026, these missile and drone strikes injured 13 individuals in Saudi Arabia.
In retaliation, Saudi forces conducted around 50 airstrikes against Houthi positions.
The Houthis reported casualties from these strikes, including the deaths of three people, two of whom were children.
State of play: The geopolitical situation has deteriorated, with the Houthis seizing control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategic chokepoint for global oil shipping.
Saudi Arabia's east-west oil pipeline has been rendered inoperative due to drone attacks, with recovery expected to take 3-5 weeks.
Last year, 365 million barrels of oil were exported via the Sumed pipeline, which connects Ain Sokhna on the Red Sea to Sidki Kerir on the Mediterranean.
This pipeline is jointly owned by Egypt (50%), Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE (15% each), and Qatar (5%).
The big picture: The collaboration between Egypt and Saudi Arabia reflects their shared interests in maintaining regional stability and securing maritime routes.
El-Sisi condemned any attacks on Saudi sovereignty and affirmed Egypt's support for Saudi measures to protect its security.
Bin Salman expressed gratitude for Egypt's solidarity and support, praising el-Sisi's leadership in promoting regional stability.
The recent escalation of Houthi aggression highlights the need for a unified front among Gulf nations to address threats to navigation and trade.
What they're saying: El-Sisi articulated that the security of Saudi Arabia and Gulf nations is a fundamental aspect of Egypt's national security.
"Any attack or threat against Saudi sovereignty and freedom of navigation in international waters will be strongly condemned," he stated.
Bin Salman acknowledged the importance of Egypt's role in maintaining stability, saying, "Your leadership in promoting peace is commendable."
By the numbers: The recent military actions and geopolitical maneuvers have raised concerns about the security of oil shipments through key waterways.
Saudi Arabia has reported a total of 50 airstrikes against Houthi targets in response to the recent attacks.
The Houthis have been responsible for multiple attacks on Saudi vessels since the civil war resumed in July 2026.
Over 365 million barrels of oil were transported via the Sumed pipeline last year, highlighting its significance in global oil trade.
What's next: The cooperation between Egypt and Saudi Arabia is likely to intensify as both nations face increased threats from regional instability.
Future discussions will focus on comprehensive political solutions to the conflict in Yemen and the broader implications for regional security.
Continued monitoring of Houthi activities will be necessary to safeguard maritime routes and prevent disruptions to oil exports.
Diplomatic efforts from other nations, including Qatar, may also play a role in addressing the crisis and fostering dialogue among involved parties.