Egypt Urges Iran to Help Halt Attacks on Saudi Arabia
Istanbul (ANTARA) — Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called for an immediate halt to all attacks on Saudi territory during a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said.
The ministry said the two ministers discussed regional developments, rapidly rising tensions and diplomatic efforts to ease the situation. Abdelatty stressed the need to immediately stop all attacks targeting Saudi Arabia.
“There is no justification for these attacks, and they are unacceptable,” Abdelatty said.
He emphasised the importance of reducing tensions and preventing a wider regional escalation, whose consequences could threaten the security and stability of countries both inside and outside the region.
Abdelatty also urged that political and diplomatic solutions be prioritised, and called on Iran and the United States to return to negotiations and dialogue. He described diplomacy as “the only way” to resolve outstanding disputes and prevent the region from sliding into further escalation and instability.
Iran’s Fars news agency also reported on the conversation. According to its report, Araghchi and Abdelatty exchanged views on the latest regional developments, including the situation in Yemen and diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.
On Sunday, Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia issued a joint statement condemning attacks on Saudi Arabia and affirming their support for Riyadh’s legitimate measures to confront and prevent them.
The statement followed a Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that killed 13 people and injured 309.
In September, Cairo said Egypt’s and Saudi Arabia’s national security were “interconnected and inseparable”. Egypt also warned that continued Houthi attacks could trigger wider regional tensions.
Saudi Arabia has faced a series of attacks on airports and civilian facilities in recent days amid an intensifying military confrontation with the Houthis.
The escalation began in July, following a period of relative calm after a UN-mediated ceasefire took effect in April 2022.
Yemen has been embroiled in conflict since the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, and several provinces in September 2014. The situation prompted a Saudi-led coalition to intervene in March 2015 in support of Yemen’s internationally recognised government.