Tiran and Sanafir Back in the Spotlight Amid U.S. Base Controversy
The debate in Egypt over the Tiran and Sanafir islands has resurfaced following media reports claiming that Saudi Arabia proposed establishing a U.S. military base on the islands to support Washington’s operations in Yemen and secure navigation in the Red Sea—claims that have sparked backlash on social media.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Washington is exerting pressure on Egypt, including demands to host Palestinians from Gaza in Sinai, allow free passage for U.S. ships through the Suez Canal, and contribute to the campaign against the Houthis.
A 2017 Egyptian government source stated that the sovereignty transfer does not end Egypt’s administrative role over the islands due to shared national security concerns. The source noted that Saudi Arabia committed not to use the islands for military purposes—a position confirmed in a letter from then-Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the Egyptian government.
In contrast, Saudi bloggers denied the allegations, affirming that the islands are fully Saudi and that claims of a U.S. base are “completely baseless.”
