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Sophia Klein
Sisi and Trump Address Regional Mediation Efforts Amid Houthi Threats
Egyptian President Sisi and US President Trump discussed mediation initiatives to restore regional stability during a recent phone call. The talks addressed the ongoing Houthi attacks on shipping, which have jeopardized global commerce and raised shipping costs due to trade route disruptions around Africa. President Trump emphasized military actions against the Houthis while warning Iran to cease its support for them.
On Tuesday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and United States President Donald Trump engaged in a discussion regarding mediation efforts aimed at restoring calm in the region. The Egyptian presidency stated that such efforts would benefit Red Sea navigation and mitigate economic losses for all involved parties.
The conversation highlighted the ongoing threat posed by the Houthis, who are aligned with Iran and have conducted over 100 attacks on shipping since the Israel-Hamas conflict escalated in late 2023. These assaults have severely disrupted global trade and prompted the United States to launch military operations against the Yemeni group in an attempt to intercept missile threats.
During the call, President Trump referenced the progress made against the Houthis as the United States intensified its military actions under his administration. He specifically mentioned that the strikes are a direct response to the Houthi attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea and reiterated a warning to Iran to cease its support for the group.
An incident occurred in March when messages were inadvertently shared with a journalist, revealing US military plans concerning the Houthis. In this communications exchange, a US official indicated that Trump had approved the Yemen operation, suggesting the need for Egypt and Europe to understand the anticipated expectations in return.
Despite the critiques surrounding the military operations, the Egyptian government’s statement did not address these communications or the context of Washington’s strikes. Egypt has faced significant repercussions from the Houthi attacks since November 2023, necessitating trade vessels to avoid the Suez Canal, which subsequently inflated shipping costs. President Sisi had previously estimated that the disruption could lead to a loss of approximately $7 billion in revenue for Egypt from the Suez Canal in 2024.
The phone call between Presidents Sisi and Trump underscores the collaborative efforts to mediate peace in the region amidst the ongoing threat from the Houthis. These discussions serve to highlight both the impact of the conflict on global trade routes and the United States’ commitment to countering Houthi aggression. As the situation evolves, the potential economic ramifications for Egypt, particularly regarding Suez Canal revenues, remain a critical concern.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
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