Updated

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said on October 17, 2026 that Egypt's armed forces are ready to help defend Saudi Arabia from escalating Houthi attacks if requested, prompting Egypt's parliament to call an emergency session to authorize potential action. In the same remarks, Sisi announced his presidency will end in 2030 and ruled out amending the constitution to extend his rule. The announcement underscores growing regional alarm over Houthi strikes on Saudi territory and signals deeper Egyptian military involvement in countering the threat, while also addressing persistent speculation about Sisi's long-term political plans.