Egypt has approved military help for Saudi Arabia if requested as Houthi attacks threaten the kingdom and Red Sea shipping. The vote comes as Saudi officials hold talks in Iran amid regional efforts to prevent a further escalation of the fighting.
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey are pursuing talks with Tehran while strengthening their military readiness under the terms of the Mecca Defence Alliance.
Deadly attacks on Riyadh’s airport have brought fresh calls for joint Gulf defence, as Qatar warned the wider conflict was damaging global energy supplies.
An attack that killed 12 people has left Riyadh’s airport closed and drawn condemnation from the UN and EU, as the Houthis renew their threats and Washington considers its response.