From Baghdad to Cairo, from Riyadh to Baku, governments across the region are facing difficult choices as the Houthis conflict and rising tensions with Iran threaten to draw more countries into the fray. Iraq is reportedly moving to shut down Houthi offices, Egypt is debating whether to send troops to Saudi Arabia, and Riyadh is pressing Washington to take stronger military action. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan is trying to keep its distance from the conflict—but how long can it stay on the sidelines? Iran’s foreign minister warns Saudi Arabia: foreign intervention would only make matters worse.
In this week’s briefing, we examine the risks of a wider regional confrontation. We turn to Israel, where Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the October 27 election. Will the endorsement help the prime minister—or give his rivals a rallying cry? Lastly, Joumana Haddad examines Lebanon’s future and asks whether stability is possible amidst Hezbollah’s intimidation.
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This Week on MBN
Baghdad Moves to Shut Down Houthi Offices
Members of the Popular Mobilization Forces guard a demonstration in support of the Houthis in Baghdad. (Reuters, March 2015)
In an exclusive Alhurra report, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has ordered the closure of Houthi offices in Iraq and the expulsion of members living in the country illegally. The Houthis have expanded their presence in Iraq through offices and coordination with Iran-linked armed groups, according to Iraqi intelligence sources. The move comes as tensions rise between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, which says attacks on its oil facilities were launched from Iraqi territory. After ordering the closures, al-Zaidi visited Saudi Arabia to ease tensions and head off further escalation.
Egypt Divided Over Troop Deployment to Saudi Arabia
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Cairo, Egypt, on Sept.15, 2026. Bandar Al-Jaloud/Courtesy of the Saudi Royal Court/Handout via Reuters.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced plans to send troops to Saudi Arabia to defend against Houthi attacks. But the plan faces growing political resistance. Opposition parties and lawmakers warn that military involvement could drag Egypt into a prolonged regional conflict, putting soldiers’ lives and the economy at risk. While some support helping Saudi Arabia, others demand clear details about the mission, its costs, and safeguards for Egyptian troops before approving any deployment. The Egyptian parliament has postponed the vote until Oct. 26, as Cairo pursues diplomatic efforts.
Riyadh Pushes Washington to Confront the Houthis
U.S. President Donald Trump during a dinner he hosted for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House in Washington, D.C., Nov. 18, 2025. Reuters/Tom Brenner.
Following a surge of Houthi attacks, Saudi Arabia is escalating its efforts to persuade the Trump administration to take stronger military action against the group. Riyadh is hiring lobbying firms to build support among U.S. officials and lawmakers for a tougher stance. Despite these efforts, Washington has shown little willingness to commit to new military operations, though intelligence and logistical support remain possible. Experts warn that Riyadh faces difficult choices: escalating the conflict could invite more Houthi attacks, while negotiating could strengthen the group’s influence in Yemen.
Azerbaijan’s Dangerous Balancing Act with Iran
When an Iranian drone hit Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave this spring, Baku sent troops to the border and humanitarian aid across it. It also sent Tehran a private warning, analyst Ilan Berman tells Rami Al Amine: Azerbaijan could play on the grievances of the ethnic Azerbaijanis who make up about a quarter of Iran’s population. Baku’s military ties with Israel and its warm relations with Washington already worry Tehran, so it has pledged to join no coalition and host no foreign troops. That balance has held so far. But if the war heats up again and a northern front opens, Berman says, Azerbaijan will find it very hard to sit it out.
Trump Wades Into Israel’s Election
U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a news conference in Palm Beach, Florida, Dec. 29, 2025. Reuters/Jonathan Ernst/Archive photo
President Donald Trump threw his support behind Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s Oct. 27 election, giving the prime minister a potential boost. Trump’s endorsement has put Netanyahu’s rivals in a bind: They want to defend Israel’s electoral independence without damaging ties with Washington, writes Yehia Qasim. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot insists that Israeli voters alone should decide who leads the country, expressing confidence that Netanyahu can be defeated despite Trump’s backing. Ultimately, Netanyahu’s biggest challenge is turning Trump’s support into votes, as Israelis weigh security, their own interests and the country’s future.
Hezbollah Is Eating Lebanon Alive
In her new MBN Magazine article, Joumana Haddad argues that Hezbollah, while claiming to protect Lebanon, is undermining the country and threatening its people. The recent interception of explosives allegedly transported by Hezbollah members has revived fears of political assassinations and violence against dissenters. Haddad warns that Hezbollah’s weapons could be used to intimidate Lebanese citizens and silence those who challenge its power. Her message is clear: Lebanon cannot achieve stability or protect its citizens while an armed group operates beyond the authority of the state.
Quote of the Week: Iran Warns Riyadh
Any foreign intervention would complicate matters.
–Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Oct. 20, 2026, commenting on the possibility of Egypt joining Saudi Arabia in the war against the Houthis.
