Egypt calls for joint Arab force amid regional escalation with Iran

Egypt has called on Arab states to strengthen joint security cooperation and consider forming a joint Arab force, as regional tensions escalate following the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

Speaking during an emergency meeting of Arab foreign ministers, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty urged the activation of the concept of Arab national security to safeguard the sovereignty and stability of Arab countries.

The meeting was convened at the request of Saudi Arabia and supported by several Arab states to address the repercussions of Iranian attacks targeting a number of countries in the region.

Abdel-Aty emphasised the need to strengthen frameworks for collective Arab cooperation to confront emerging threats. He said forming a joint Arab force could be part of efforts to respond effectively to regional security challenges.

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The Egyptian minister also condemned the Iranian attacks on Arab countries, describing them as a clear violation of the principles of good neighbourliness and international law, and rejecting any justification for such actions.

At the same time, Abdel-Aty stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions, warning of the risk that the region could slide into wider conflict and instability.

Egypt’s position comes amid intensified diplomatic activity led by Cairo in recent days, including high-level telephone consultations with leaders and foreign ministers of several affected Arab states.

The emergency meeting, which was supported by Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain, issued a statement strongly condemning what it described as Iranian attacks on Gulf states, Jordan and Iraq.

Arab foreign ministers said the strikes represented illegal and unprovoked actions that violated the sovereignty of the targeted countries and posed a serious threat to regional and international peace and security.

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