El-Sisi condemns attacks on Saudi, stresses collective Arab security in call with crown prince

Ahram Online , Monday 16 Mar 2026

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s support for Saudi Arabia on Monday during a phone call with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, condemning Iranian attacks on the kingdom and calling for strengthened Arab collective security, the Egyptian presidency said.

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Presidential spokesman Mohamed El-Shennawy said El-Sisi described the attacks as “an unacceptable violation of the sovereignty of an Arab state” and stressed the need to protect the resources and interests of all Arab peoples.

During the conversation, El-Sisi outlined Egypt’s ongoing diplomatic contacts with regional and international partners to de-escalate tensions and contain the wider Middle East crisis. He highlighted the “shared destiny” linking Egypt and the Gulf, noting that the security of Gulf states is integral to Egypt’s national security.

The Egyptian president also praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts under King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to preserve regional stability and contain the escalation. In response, the Saudi crown prince expressed appreciation for Cairo’s supportive stance, emphasizing the historic and fraternal ties between the two countries and Egypt’s role in maintaining stability across the Arab world.

The leaders discussed ways to strengthen joint Arab initiatives to address regional challenges, agreeing to maintain consultations to reinforce security and stability in the Gulf.

El-Sisi’s call with Saudi Arabia comes amid a series of diplomatic contacts across the region as tensions rise.

On Sunday, he spoke with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Jordan’s King Abdullah II, reiterating Egypt’s solidarity with Arab states under threat and calling for collective security measures.

The Egyptian president also received a call from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, reaffirming support for Iraq’s sovereignty and stability and highlighting the need to prevent the country from being drawn into broader regional conflicts.

On Monday, El-Sisi also spoke with Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, reiterating Egypt’s full solidarity with Gulf states and emphasizing that regional security is inseparable from Egypt’s own national security.

Regional tensions

At least 3,700 Iranian missiles and drones have targeted Gulf countries since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran 16 days ago, where Iran has been targeting Israel and American assets in the Gulf, according to official data compiled by Anadolu Agency.

The UAE has been the most heavily targeted country, followed by Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, according to the data.

Oman recorded the fewest incidents, with about 16 drones intercepted or detected.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has adopted a resolution condemning Iranian missile attacks on Gulf countries and Jordan after Bahrain submitted the draft on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Iran launched a fresh wave of drone attacks on several Gulf states on Sunday, the latest since the United States and Israel began military strikes against Iran on 28 February.

The escalation has raised concerns about widening regional instability as the conflict continues into its third week.

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