UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt reinforce defense, diplomatic measures
Sisi and MBS warn of regional fallout from Iranian aggression amid missile and drone strikes; condemn Iranian attacks, stress Gulf solidarity; call for unified regional response
During a regional tour covering Saudi Arabia, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met with leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to discuss the escalating military conflict in the Middle East and reaffirm Egypt’s solidarity with the Gulf states in the face of Iranian aggression.
In Jeddah, Sisi met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to assess the repercussions of the regional escalation on security and stability, both regionally and globally.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the two leaders condemned the repeated Iranian attacks on GCC countries, emphasizing that targeting vital and civilian facilities constitutes a dangerous escalation threatening regional stability, reports Al-Rai daily.
Mohammed bin Salman expressed appreciation for Egypt’s unwavering political and diplomatic support, highlighting its historical role in backing Gulf nations during periods of regional tension. Sisi, in turn, reiterated Egypt’s condemnation of Iran’s repeated attacks and pledged continued solidarity with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states to protect sovereignty and security.
Meanwhile, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty participated in a quadrilateral meeting in Riyadh with his Saudi, Turkish, and Pakistani counterparts to coordinate a unified response to the rapidly evolving security situation.
Ahmed Aboul Gheit welcomed the visits of Sisi and Jordanian King Abdullah II, calling on Iran to immediately halt its attacks on neighboring countries.
In a related diplomatic move, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared the Iranian military attaché and other embassy staff “undesirable,” ordering them to leave the country.
Anwar Gargash described the ongoing Iranian aggression as “brutal” with profound geopolitical repercussions, asserting that Gulf states are strengthening national and collective security partnerships with Washington in response to missile and drone attacks.
“Our response is focused not just on a ceasefire, but on sustainable solutions to ensure security in the Arabian Gulf,” Gargash wrote on social media.
Iran has continued attacks against the Gulf for 21 days, claiming to target “American interests,” though approximately 85% of missile and drone strikes have hit Gulf states and only 15% targeted Israel.
According to Al Arabiya, Tehran launched 1,119 missiles and 3,792 drones against Gulf states, alongside 300 missiles and 550 drones toward Israel.
In Qatar, a helicopter crash in territorial waters during routine operations resulted in the deaths of four Qatari military personnel and three Turkish nationals, according to the Ministry of Interior.
The escalating tensions underscore the fragility of regional security, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated diplomatic and strategic responses to Iran’s actions.
