CAIRO — Egypt’s top security body agreed Sunday to help Saudi Arabia defend itself against Houthi attacks, adding a major regional ally to Riyadh’s effort to counter a widening threat from Yemen’s Iranian-backed rebels. The National Defense Council, chaired by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, pledged “all possible forms of support” to protect Saudi security, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency. The announcement did not spell out what assistance Egypt would provide or when it might arrive. Saudi Arabia has been seeking military help as Houthi drones and missiles target airports and oil infrastructure across the kingdom. Some of the weapons can change direction in flight, complicating efforts to intercept them. The attacks have killed at least 19 people, disrupted thousands of flights and rattled global markets. The move follows a visit to Egypt last month by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The commitment comes as fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis escalates, opening another front in the broader Iran war. Separately, Saudi Arabia’s defense minister met Sunday with the president of the United Arab Emirates to discuss closer cooperation, according to the UAE’s state news agency. The talks come despite recent strains between the two countries, which have backed rival factions in Yemen’s coalition against the Houthis. Egypt’s promise signals stronger backing for Riyadh at a time when attacks on key infrastructure are carrying consequences well beyond the battlefield—from civilian casualties and air-travel disruption to unsettled energy markets. The scope of Cairo’s role remains unclear.