Egypt opens backchannel with Houthis as fears grow of new Red Sea crisis

Egypt has revived communication channels with Yemen’s Houthi movement in an effort to prevent further escalation in the Red Sea and protect shipping routes linked to the Suez Canal, according to Egyptian sources.

The move comes amid growing tensions between the United States and Iran, with Cairo concerned that the conflict could spread to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key maritime route connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

A senior Egyptian source told Al Araby Al Jadeed that Cairo had resumed contacts with the Houthis to ease tensions and prevent actions that could disrupt international shipping.

The source said Egypt was concerned by reports that Iran had asked the Houthis to prepare for a possible closure of Bab el-Mandeb if Washington launched further strikes on Iranian infrastructure.

Any disruption to the strait could have serious consequences for the Suez Canal, one of Egypt’s main sources of foreign currency.

Egypt is maintaining contacts with both Tehran and the Houthis as part of efforts to contain the crisis and prevent the conflict from expanding.

The Houthi contacts are reportedly being managed through Egyptian security channels rather than the Foreign Ministry due to the sensitive nature of the issue.

The Suez Canal has already suffered major revenue losses following attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea linked to the Gaza war. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said in May that Egypt had lost around $10 billion in canal revenues because of the disruptions.

Former Egyptian diplomat Mona Omar said Cairo’s role would remain limited to mediation, stressing that Egypt supports its Arab allies but does not want to become directly involved in the conflict.

Former assistant foreign minister Masoum Marzouk warned that any closure of Bab el-Mandeb would represent “a dangerous escalation” that could disrupt global oil supplies and drive energy prices higher.

The strait is one of the world’s most important shipping routes, and any prolonged disruption could affect global trade, energy markets and regional stability.

Egypt has urged all sides to prioritise diplomatic solutions, warning that further escalation in the Red Sea could have wider international consequences.

By Aghakazim Guliyev