DID Press: Egypt remains reluctant to join a proposed Saudi-led multinational maritime coalition despite pressure from Riyadh, with Cairo reaffirming that it will not participate in military operations beyond its borders unless they are directly linked to Egypt’s national security, according to an informed Egyptian source.
The source said intensive consultations have taken place in recent days between Egyptian and Saudi officials to discuss the coalition’s objectives, operational framework and Egypt’s potential role.
During the talks, Cairo reiterated its long-standing position of avoiding military operations abroad that could further escalate regional conflicts.According to the source, Egypt’s foreign policy is guided by a firm doctrine that prioritizes political and diplomatic solutions over participation in external military alliances, particularly amid the current regional tensions. Cairo also seeks to maintain communication with all parties involved in regional crises in order to preserve its role as a mediator, a position that could be undermined by joining a military coalition.
The source added that while Egypt supports security in the Red Sea and the protection of international freedom of navigation, it prefers to contribute through political and security coordination, intelligence sharing and diplomatic engagement rather than direct military operations that could increase the risk of confrontation with regional actors.
Meanwhile, Egyptian state media reported that Cairo is still reviewing possible participation in the initiative, with its legal and constitutional implications under examination by relevant authorities. Any final decision would require parliamentary approval and full compliance with Egypt’s constitution.
Former Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister Masoum Marzouk described the idea of a regional security alliance as strategically sound but said greater clarity is needed regarding its objectives, perceived threats and the roles of participating states.
He argued that the initiative should evolve into a comprehensive regional security framework rather than remain solely a maritime coalition.Marzouk also noted that he had previously advocated for a regional security system to address what he described as threats posed by Israel.
Commenting on speculation surrounding Egypt’s potential role and the absence of an official announcement by the United Arab Emirates, he said he had no inside government information but believed Egypt’s participation could help reshape the coalition and influence the regional balance.
The developments come amid heightened security tensions in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, raising concerns over their impact on global trade and Suez Canal revenues. In recent years, Egypt has pursued a policy of avoiding direct military involvement in regional conflicts while emphasizing diplomacy in crises such as Gaza, Libya and Sudan.
Last Thursday, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of War announced that 14 countries, including Egypt, Türkiye, Pakistan, Qatar and Jordan, had endorsed a statement supporting the establishment of a multinational maritime defence alliance. However, the coalition has yet to be formally established.