Egyptian president since 2014 and former military officer
Egypt's parliament has authorised President el-Sisi to provide defense assistance to Saudi Arabia in response to attacks by Yemen's Houthis. The move, described as defensive, could see air defense systems and aircraft deployed to protect Saudi territory, but Egypt says it will not send ground troops. The vote underscores shifting regional security calculations as Gulf tensions rise.
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated as Saudi Arabia and the US have mounted strikes against militant groups in Iraq, while Egypt faces its first drone attack at a Mediterranean port. Interceptions of Iranian missiles have continued in Jordan, Kuwait reports Iranian strikes on a Chinese company building, and Pakistan is mediating new talks to de-escalate. The conflict has intensified despite renewed negotiations.
The UN-backed 4+4 committee has forged an initial framework to hold presidential and parliamentary elections within 24 months under a unified executive. While rival institutions signaled tentative support, implementation remains the biggest hurdle as divisions persist and power-sharing is tested.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Cairo for a state visit, his first to Egypt in a decade, to mark 70 years of diplomatic ties and sign economic and security agreements. Talks with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will focus on Gaza, Red Sea shipping, the Nile dam dispute, AI and expanded Chinese investment in the Suez Canal zone.
A large microalgae bloom has clogged intake systems at five of Israel’s six coastal desalination plants, forcing temporary shutdowns and reduced output. Scientists link the bloom to currents from the Nile Delta and warm sea temperatures; some experts say untreated sewage from Gaza has increased nutrient loads. Authorities have mobilised backup supplies and restricted agricultural use while plants recover.
Chinese president Xi Jinping has visited Cairo for the first time in a decade and has met President Abdel Fattah el‑Sisi. The two governments have signed new economic deals, launched a third phase of the Suez Canal industrial zone and discussed cooperation on artificial intelligence, defence and maritime security as regional trade routes face disruption from the US‑Israel war with Iran.
Greece and Israel have strengthened defense, security and energy cooperation over the past decade. A 3 billion euro deal to build an air defence shield in Greece has been signed, with Greece spending at least 3.5% of GDP on core defence. Greece plans further engagements, including a visit to Cairo, as tensions with Turkey persist.
Iran and the United States have intensified hostilities. US strikes on Iran’s southern coast target military assets while Iranian forces respond with missiles at bases in Jordan, Bahrain and elsewhere. A wedding party in Kuhestak has been hit, killing several civilians and injuring dozens, including children. Both sides warn of further actions as tensions flare around the Strait of Hormuz.
Leaders from BRICS are meeting in New Delhi for a summit that will test ties between India, China and Russia while India balances relations with Western partners. Japan's Okinawa has held a governor race that is reflecting economic concerns. Several Asian policy and business events this week include a Philippine AI infrastructure plan, a Huawei trial in New York and Hong Kong's BIOHK2026 conference.
Scientists have identified a 222‑metre‑wide, up to 43‑metre‑deep crater on the Moon formed in spring 2024 and first spotted in LRO images in 2025. The impact churned material across more than 100 km, produced a roughly 7‑km cold spot and has provided rare data scientists say will inform risk assessments for planned lunar bases.
El Niño is strengthening, with forecasts predicting historic intensity. Reports show drought in Central America’s Dry Corridor and a UK weather shift toward wetter, stormier conditions. Scientists warn impacts will extend into 2027 as temperatures rise globally and rainfall patterns shift.
BRICS leaders gather in New Delhi amid tensions from the US–Iran war, amid broader global upheaval. The expanded bloc faces divisions over how to respond to Middle East conflicts, energy markets, and trade wars, while stressing a Global South-led reform agenda.
Oil prices have extended gains amid reports of Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia and Iran’s actions in the Gulf, with analysts warning inflationary pressures could rise and energy markets remain tight as pipelines face disruption.
The Bab al-Mandeb strait is now under Houthi control, threatening Red Sea shipping and Egypt’s Suez Canal revenues. Egypt and Saudi Arabia are pursuing security cooperation while reaffirming commitment to safe navigation amid US-led regional dynamics.
The U.S. CENTCOM has confirmed an incident in which Iranian small boats attempted to seize a U.S. unmanned surface vessel. The U.S. responded forcefully, destroying two fishing boats after recognizing the threat to a naval drone. Iranian state media report fishermen missing after the strike near Hormozgan; oil prices surge as risk to shipping persists.
Saudi authorities have said they have intercepted a Houthi-launched drone south of Mecca and have called the attempt a "red line" because it targeted Islam's holiest sites. Regional capitals and Muslim organisations have condemned the strikes on Saudi cities and infrastructure, and analysts warn the attacks will raise pressure on shipping routes and global energy supplies.
The article reports on renewed Gaza ceasefire talks and Palestinian political tensions. Abbas meets in Cairo; Israel considers displacement debates; election timelines for Palestinian legislative and presidential races face new uncertainty amid regional diplomacy and ceasefire enforcement.
Forty-seven antiquities seized at Beirut port in 2020 have been identified as Egyptian; Lebanon has handed the artefacts to Egypt after investigations with INTERPOL and Lebanese authorities. Five items were displayed at the handover ceremony, underscoring cooperation to combat illicit trafficking in cultural property.
Egypt hosts the inaugural Alamein Africa Forum, attracting more than 20 heads of state and major investors to discuss Africa’s private sector role, intra‑African trade, regional partnerships and infrastructure. Officials say the forum aims to mobilise capital and boost cross‑border links, with Egypt seeking broader Africa engagement amid disputes over GERD.
Leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia and Sudan have called for de-escalation while Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reiterates Addis Ababa’s push for Red Sea access. The region’s tensions have intensified amid renewed fighting in Tigray and accusations of external backing for opposing forces. A multi-country summit in New Alamein has underscored the debate over sea access and coastal governance.
The Supreme State Prosecution has referred Lina Attalah, editor‑in‑chief of Mada Masr, to trial on a charge of operating a website without a licence. She was released on bail and faces heavy fines and possible closure of the outlet; her first court date is set for Oct. 27. The referral follows a Mada Masr report on prison protests and comes as prosecutions of independent journalists escalate in Egypt.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has stated that his current term will end in 2030 and that the constitution will not be amended. He also outlined plans to groom a new generation of leaders through a Military Academy training program for potential candidates, ministers, and officials.
Egypt has offered "all necessary and possible" support to Saudi Arabia after repeated Houthi drone and missile strikes on airports, oil facilities and cities. President Abdel Fattah el‑Sisi has asked parliament for emergency authorisation to deploy forces if Riyadh requests help and Cairo says any intervention will be defensive and paired with diplomatic de‑escalation.
Egypt is weighing a proposed parliamentary authorization to provide military support to Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks, with the vote postponed after emergency sessions. Lawmakers seek clarity on mission scope, duration and costs before approving any deployment.
The Tobruk-based House of Representatives has unanimously approved the 2019 maritime memorandum with Türkiye, reversing a 2020 rejection. The move follows Ankara’s military-to-military accord with Haftar’s LNA and comes as Greece, Egypt and the EU denounce the deal as a violation of international law and Egypt’s sovereign rights.
The eastern Libyan Parliament aligned with Khalifa Haftar has ratified the 2019 Turkey-Libya maritime memorandum. Greece, Cyprus and Egypt reject the move; the EU calls it null and void. The deal could redraw maritime boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean, impacting European allies and energy prospects.
The United States has ordered the departure of non-essential staff from its Riyadh embassy and consulates as Iran-backed Houthis escalate attacks on Saudi Arabia. Debris from drones has killed two in an oil facility, and an attack on Dammam’s airport has injured several others. Saudi and regional actors are responding, with Egypt signaling limited military support if requested.
Egypt is weighing authorization for air-defence and logistical support to Saudi Arabia as Houthi attacks escalate. Lawmakers have postponed a vote, with Cairo cautioning that any deployment would be tightly bounded and aimed at Gulf security and key infrastructure. Diplomatic efforts are under way to defuse the risk of wider regional confrontation.