Middle East
Why is Egypt jumping into Houthi war? First, follow the money.
Cairo buys an increasing amount of fuel from abroad, owes billions to foreign lenders, and depends on open Red Sea-Suez traffic, among other pressures
October 29, 2026
Cairo buys an increasing amount of fuel from abroad, owes billions to foreign lenders, and depends on open Red Sea-Suez traffic, among other pressures
While going back to the status quo ante — free transit through the waterway — seems unlikely, there's a proven way ahead that won't breach sovereignty or shut off access
Attacks from Tehran and the possibility of closer ties with Tel Aviv have left Abu Dhabi facing a difficult balancing act in a changing Gulf order.
In essence, this agreement brings the situation to where it was supposed to be following the announcement of the original ceasefire
Threats from Tehran and regional uncertainty are reshaping regional security, but not all Gulf states are moving in the same direction
Muscat is the only Gulf capital that has remained friendly with Tehran throughout the war. There is a reason for that, and why those relations will persist.
