Sisi Warns of ‘Regional Chaos’ as Iran Strikes Spark Gulf Tensions
Cairo – Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has cautioned that recent Iranian missile attacks on several Arab nations risk plunging the Middle East into “regional chaos,” and pose a “direct threat” to stability. Sisi’s warning came as he engaged in a flurry of diplomatic calls Saturday with leaders across the Gulf, expressing Egypt’s solidarity following Iran’s retaliatory strikes.
The attacks, launched in response to earlier U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian soil, targeted cities in several Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Jordan. State media in the UAE reported one fatality in Abu Dhabi, and fires erupted on Dubai’s Palm Islands following blasts.
According to Presidential Spokesperson Mohamed El-Shennawy, Sisi “categorically rejected any violation of Arab sovereignty,” emphasizing that the security of Arab nations, particularly Saudi Arabia, is “an integral part of Arab national security.”
Sisi spoke with the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, urging intensified international and regional efforts to de-escalate the situation. He repeatedly stressed that “dialogue and diplomacy remain the ‘only way’ to overcome the crisis,” warning that further military escalation would only exacerbate human suffering and hinder regional development.
Leaders in the Gulf expressed appreciation for Egypt’s support. Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa underscored the importance of coordinated Arab action to protect national security, while Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed praised the historical ties between their nations and Egypt.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stated that “all occupied territories and the criminal U.S. bases in the region have been struck by the powerful blows of Iranian missiles,” vowing to continue operations “relentlessly.”
The escalating tensions raise concerns about a wider conflict in the region, already grappling with numerous geopolitical challenges. The situation is being closely monitored by international observers as diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis intensify.
