Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Egypt Drone Attack, Saudi Maritime Alliance Amid Iran‑US War
A drone hit two ships in the Egyptian port of Damietta, but nobody was hurt and no one said who did it.
If it was a planned attack, it would be the first time Egypt is caught up in the fight between Iran and the United States.
Iran’s foreign minister said Egypt is a good friend, while an Iranian lawmaker accused the U.S. of bombing homes on Qeshm Island.
The U.S. Treasury has also slapped sanctions on Iran’s biggest airline, Mahan Air, saying it helps the Iranian military.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and 13 other countries created a new group to keep ships safe in the Red Sea and nearby waters, where the Iranian‑backed Houthi rebels have been blocking traffic.
Drone strike hit two vessels at Damietta port, no injuries, no claim of responsibility.
If confirmed deliberate, it would be Egypt’s first direct involvement in the Iran‑US conflict.
Iran’s foreign minister praised Egypt as an “important friend and partner.”
Iranian parliament speaker accused the U.S. of terrorist attacks on Qeshm Island homes.
Saudi Arabia and 13 other nations formed a Maritime Defense Alliance to protect shipping in key chokepoints.
- Who
- Egyptian authorities, Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Saudi Ministry of Defence, US Treasury
- What
- Drone attack on vessels, formation of a maritime defence alliance, US sanctions on Mahan Air
- When
- Attack on Wednesday; alliance announced Thursday
- Where
- Damietta port, Egypt; maritime chokepoints in Bab el‑Mandeb Strait, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden
- Why
- To protect shipping lanes amid escalating Iran‑US conflict and to respond to alleged Iranian‑backed Houthi disruptions
- Attack
- Drone strike on two vessels at Damietta port
- Date
- Wednesday (exact date not specified)
- Injuries
- None reported
- Responsibility
- No party claimed responsibility
- Alliance
- Maritime Defense Alliance of 14 nations
- Regions Covered
- Bab el‑Mandeb Strait, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden