The Houthis close in from the south, Iran pressures from the east: bin Salman's unusual regional move

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to arrive in Cairo for a meeting with Egyptian President al-Sisi, against the backdrop of the Houthi takeover of positions along Yemen's coasts and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and Iranian pressure in the Strait of Hormuz. The visit aims to discuss Red Sea security and the Houthi threat, as Saudi Arabia faces a dual strategic problem that could impact oil exports and the Suez Canal.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to arrive in Cairo tomorrow (Tuesday) for a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, amid regional escalation. The visit is intended to discuss Red Sea security and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Houthi threat, Iranian attacks on Gulf states, and the expansion of the regional war. Bin Salman met today in Jeddah with the commander of US Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper. According to Reuters, Washington provides Saudi Arabia with intelligence and assistance in locating targets, but President Trump has refrained from authorizing US strikes against the Houthis. Pressure on Riyadh has increased after the Houthis took over positions along Yemen's coasts and the Bab el-Mandeb area, including the port of Mokha and strategic islands in the Red Sea. Meanwhile, attacks on Saudi infrastructure have also damaged the alternative land route for oil flow. Egypt views Red Sea security as a matter of national security due to its connection to ship traffic in the Suez Canal and its revenues. According to the report, Egypt's joining the Mecca Defense Agreement is not expected to be on the agenda. Cairo is still examining the agreement, and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty said that a decision requires legal and constitutional review.