Egypt and Gulf States Launch Diplomatic Push to Prevent Escalation with Iran
Egypt and Gulf countries have initiated a significant diplomatic effort to curb the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, according to the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, affiliated with Hezbollah and the Iranian axis. The diplomatic push focuses on pressuring Washington to prevent Israeli involvement in the current conflict. This development follows Iranian threats to close the Bab al-Mandab and Strait of Hormuz waterways and exposes deep divisions within Iran's regime between pragmatists and hardliners.
Mohammed bin Zayed, President of the United Arab Emirates, cut short his visit to Egypt amid the crisis to return to Abu Dhabi and personally manage the situation, coordinating with regional partners to avoid further deterioration. Gulf states fear that Israeli participation in strikes against Iran could open new fronts and significantly escalate regional conflict.
Despite serious concerns, diplomatic sources in Cairo and the Gulf believe there is a narrow window of opportunity to prevent escalation, influenced by the U.S. midterm elections and American reluctance to engage in a prolonged conflict due to potential economic fallout. Gulf countries have warned the U.S. against expanding the conflict, citing risks to the global energy market, while Egypt is concerned about potential damage to revenues from the Suez Canal, a vital economic artery.
Military coordination between Egypt and Gulf states has intensified, including plans for joint operations to prevent retaliatory attacks by Iran or its proxies on civilian infrastructure, energy facilities, or oil tankers in the Gulf. Egypt has pledged immediate defensive military and intelligence support to Gulf countries and is working closely with Jordan to secure food supplies and protect supply chains in case of disruptions to shipping routes.
Recent military delegations have visited Cairo and Gulf capitals to reassess air defense and coastal protection strategies amid complex combat scenarios. There is also a possibility that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will conduct an extensive tour of Gulf states to build a unified Arab stance alongside the Gulf Cooperation Council, despite ongoing quiet tensions between Egypt and Kuwait. Concurrently, Egypt is adopting a tougher media stance against Iran, signaling a shift in its approach to balancing relations with all parties while safeguarding regional interests.
