image sourced from original article at Egypt's strategic standing in the Mediterranean and Red Sea region is under growing scrutiny as the Iranian-backed Houthi blockade of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait disrupts critical shipping lanes. Despite possessing what is described as the best-equipped navy in the Arab world, Egypt has remained largely passive while maritime trade faces escalating threats.
Rather than taking a leading security role, Cairo has relied on the United States, Britain and Israel to shoulder both the operational risks and financial burdens of protecting shipping routes. This approach has raised questions about the value of Egypt's substantial military spending and its broader role as a regional power amid mounting economic and strategic pressures.
