Egypt Backs Saudi Defense as Houthi Attacks Continue and Regional Talks Take Place in Iran

Egypt's parliament voted Monday to authorize President AbdelFattah elSissi to provide military support to Saudi Arabia in defending the kingdom against attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The same day, the Saudi-led coalition said three drones were intercepted and destroyed over the Riyadh region and southern regions. The Houthis, a Yemeni militia, have launched several deadly attacks on Riyadh's airport this month. Saudi Arabia has reopened the airport even as the group threatens further strikes. Separately, officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey, states tied by a defense pact, held talks in Iran with Iranian officials. The meeting was described as the first high-level contact between them since the regional conflict spilled over to Saudi Arabia and Yemen, and the Houthis launched more attacks.

The right-leaning Newsmax leads with Egypt's parliamentary vote, centering President elSissi and the prospect of Egyptian military backing for Riyadh. Its headline frames the story around defending Saudi Arabia, and the excerpt does not mention the airport, drone interceptions or the talks. The left-leaning New York Times leads with the reopening of Riyadh airport and the Houthi threat of more strikes, noting that earlier attacks were deadly. Its excerpt does not mention Egypt or diplomacy. Both sides call the Houthis Iran-backed and treat them as the threat to Saudi Arabia. The difference is emphasis: Newsmax stresses foreign military support, while the Times stresses civilian infrastructure and continuing risk. The alternative outlets add other angles: the Times of Israel reports talks in Iran, and Middle East Eye gives the coalition's drone interception account.