Saudi crown prince seeks Egypt's backing as Houthi attacks rattle Red Sea oil routes

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pressed Egypt for backing in Cairo as Houthi attacks intensify against Saudi shipping and infrastructure tied to Red Sea oil routes. Meeting President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, the prince said both countries reaffirmed “shared commitment” to freedom and security of maritime navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Egypt’s office said it would support Saudi Arabia, though neither side outlined concrete next steps. The Houthis have seized Mokha port and islands near Bab el-Mandeb, aiming to restrict Saudi exports. A damaged Saudi pipeline may keep the East-West Pipeline shut for weeks, potentially removing several million barrels per day from the market.