Egypt and the Gulf states: Sharp differences over the Iran war

When Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi used his well-known phrase “just a step away” years ago, referring to his country’s readiness to defend Arab national security, he did not expect to face a real test and a difficult dilemma that could cost him dearly. Tensions in Egyptian-Gulf relations, against the backdrop of the ongoing war against Iran and Iranian strikes targeting countries in the region, have escalated from discontent to suspicion, disagreement and possibly a reassessment in the near future. Assessments within ruling circles in Gulf capitals reflect negative views of Egypt’s position, amid what is described as “abandonment” and a lack of solidarity by a strategic ally that has received tens of billions of dollars, as well as significant […]