Omanghana
Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris has urged Arab countries to sever diplomatic relations with Iran after apologizing for his delayed public response to deadly Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
His remarks followed criticism from Saudi writer Dr. Wafaa Al-Rasheed, who questioned his silence over casualties from an attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
In an exchange on X on October 12, Al-Rasheed accused the businessman of failing to acknowledge the victims or offer condolences. Sawiris subsequently expressed regret and extended his sympathies to the bereaved families, mentioning an Egyptian flight attendant among those killed.
He reaffirmed his solidarity with Saudi Arabia and stressed the close relationship between Egyptians and Saudis. He also called on Arab governments to set aside their differences and adopt a united position against what he described as the “Iranian enemy”.
As an initial step, Sawiris advocated cutting diplomatic ties with Tehran and expelling Iranian ambassadors from Arab countries. His comments represented a personal appeal rather than an announcement of Egyptian government policy.
The exchange comes amid escalating attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement against Saudi infrastructure. Saudi authorities reported that a strike on the Riyadh airport killed 13 people and injured more than 300, followed by another attack that left one person dead and nearly a dozen injured.
Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia jointly condemned the attacks, describing them as an unacceptable escalation.
Separately, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said on October 13 that Cairo was prepared to respond to Saudi requests for support. Asked about possible military assistance, he indicated that Egypt would provide the backing requested by the kingdom.
Abdelatty also said Egypt was seriously considering joining the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, which brings together Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan. The pact treats an armed attack against one member as an attack against all three.
Egypt’s possible participation remains under consideration, with no announcement that it has formally joined the agreement.
Source: Omanghana
