Egypt, Saudi Arabia and UAE push for regional de-escalation

Egypt has stepped up diplomatic engagement with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to prevent further escalation in the Middle East, emphasising the importance of coordinated efforts through a four-country ministerial mechanism involving Pakistan and Türkiye.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held separate telephone conversations on Tuesday with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan and UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed, according to statements issued by Egypt’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.

During his discussion with bin Farhan, Abdelatty reviewed the latest regional developments and growing risks of a wider conflict. He stressed the need to prioritise dialogue and pursue political solutions to contain tensions.

Both ministers agreed to maintain close consultations and strengthen bilateral cooperation, alongside coordination through the four-way ministerial mechanism comprising Egypt, Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia. The initiative aims to promote diplomatic engagement, support peaceful settlements and prevent regional crises from escalating further.

The diplomatic contacts came a day after Egypt’s parliament approved a mandate, by a two-thirds majority, authorising President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to take necessary measures to support Saudi Arabia and protect its territory, sovereignty and holy sites in coordination with Riyadh.

The discussions also took place against the backdrop of continuing hostilities involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi group. The conflict has raised concerns over the security of civilian facilities and critical infrastructure in the kingdom.

In his separate conversation with the UAE foreign minister, Abdelatty discussed the latest regional situation and indications of further escalation. He called on countries across the region to coordinate their efforts, restore political dialogue and prevent the crisis from entering a more dangerous phase.

Meanwhile, Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen said they had intercepted and destroyed a Houthi ballistic missile fired towards the western Saudi city of Taif early Wednesday.

Saudi authorities also issued emergency alerts in Jeddah and Yanbu. Civil Defence later announced that the threat had passed in both locations, although officials did not disclose the specific reason for the warnings.

The coalition did not report any casualties or damage resulting from the missile interception.

The incident followed a separate attack late Tuesday, when Saudi air defences intercepted two Houthi ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh. Falling debris damaged a building, a construction site and a vehicle, according to Saudi Civil Defence. No casualties were reported.

The coalition had also announced the interception of four drones and three ballistic missiles launched towards Saudi Arabia earlier on Tuesday.

The latest incidents highlight the continuing security challenges facing the kingdom as it confronts attacks attributed to the Houthis. Saudi Arabia has led a military coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government since March 2015, following the Houthi takeover of Sanaa and other parts of the country in 2014.