The Pentagon announced on Tuesday that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held a phone conversation with Egyptian Defense Minister Abdulmajid Saqr, during which they discussed the "reckless actions" of the Iran-backed Houthis. The primary focus of the discussion was the economic and security implications of the Houthi attacks on the Suez Canal, a critical artery for global trade.

According to a Pentagon statement, both officials reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship between the United States and Egypt and explored potential avenues for enhancing regional security in the Red Sea. Egyptian Presidential Spokesman Mohamed El-Shennawy indicated that the discussions also encompassed ongoing mediation efforts aimed at stabilizing the region and mitigating the economic repercussions of the current tensions.

The Houthi missile and drone attacks, which have targeted shipping in the Red Sea and adjacent waters since late 2023, have resulted in a significant decline in Suez Canal revenues and a substantial increase in maritime insurance costs. In March, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi disclosed monthly losses of approximately $800 million stemming from disruptions related to the Houthi activities. The Suez Canal is of paramount importance to Egypt's economy, serving as the most direct shipping route between Europe and Asia.