Egypt Raises Military Readiness as El Sisi Warns of Widening War
Defence chief inspects troops while President Abdel Fattah El Sisi urges vigilance amid escalating US, Israeli and Iranian strikes.
Egypt is not taking chances.
As tensions rise following US and Israeli strikes on Iran — and Tehran’s retaliation across the region — Cairo has increased its military readiness. The move comes as leaders warn the conflict could spiral further.
Defence Minister Checks Combat Readiness
Lt Gen Ashraf Zaher, Egypt’s Defence Minister and armed forces chief, inspected the Central Military Region on Sunday to ensure troops are fully prepared for any regional fallout.
According to military officials, he reviewed upgrades to air defence systems and medical services. He was joined by senior commanders, including Chief of Staff Lt Ahmed Khalifa.
The Central Military Region covers Cairo and nearby governorates and acts as a key reserve force, ready to move quickly if needed.
Lt Gen Zaher also met with border guards, paratroopers and elite Saka special forces, sharing an iftar meal and delivering a message from President Abdel Fattah El Sisi: stay alert, keep training, and be ready.
El Sisi: Escalation Threatens the Whole Region
Speaking at an annual military iftar marking Egypt’s 1973 war commemoration, El Sisi connected past lessons to today’s risks.
He said Egypt had tried to mediate and push for restraint between Washington and Tehran but warned that further escalation could endanger regional stability — including critical routes like the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the tension, El Sisi reassured citizens there is “no need for concern,” stressing that contingency plans are in place.
Economic Pressure Builds
The regional flare-up is already hitting business.
Some global shipping companies are rerouting vessels away from the Suez Canal. Airline routes have been disrupted across the region. Investors are trimming exposure to Egyptian and Gulf markets.
Tourism operators have also reported a wave of cancellations over the weekend — a worrying sign for one of Egypt’s main sources of foreign currency.
“Egypt Will Be Affected”
El Sisi acknowledged that the pace of developments has been fast and unpredictable.
Egypt, he said, is part of the region and cannot be isolated from what happens around it. Still, he emphasized that national unity and resilience remain the country’s strongest defence.
For now, the message from Cairo is clear: stay calm, but stay ready.