Egypt has told Saudi Arabia that it prefers diplomacy to military escalation in Yemen, sources told Al-Akhbar.

Egypt has told Saudi Arabia that it prefers diplomacy to military escalation in Yemen, sources told Al-Akhbar.

Cairo's position is centered on protecting the economic and security stability of Saudi Arabia through naval, air and intelligence means instead of ground involvement. Egyptian officials warned that a war against the Houthis would amount to an indirect conflict with Iran and make Egypt a target.

Threats to oil tankers in the Red Sea may push Egypt to act to protect freedom of navigation, but not within Yemen.