In a significant development at the Egypt Energy Show 2026 held in Cairo on March 30, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called on U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene and stop the ongoing conflict involving Iran. He emphasized that fears of oil prices surpassing $200 per barrel are not unfounded, highlighting the severe impact of supply shortages and escalating prices.
Addressing the conference, al-Sisi stated, “I tell President Trump: nobody can stop the war in our region in the Gulf but you,” underscoring the critical role of U.S. leadership in resolving the crisis. Analysts have warned that the price of a barrel of oil could exceed $200, a scenario al-Sisi affirmed as plausible given the current tensions.
Egypt, historically a beneficiary of U.S. military aid and support from affluent Gulf nations, has condemned Iranian attacks targeting Gulf Arab states. The country has actively promoted diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing the conflict from escalating into a broader regional war.
Meanwhile, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), addressed the conference virtually, urging the global community to safeguard vital maritime routes. He condemned Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its assaults on regional energy infrastructure, describing these actions as a direct threat to global energy security and a violation of international law.
Albudaiwi remarked, “The brutal Iranian threats against energy facilities and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz constitute not only a blatant violation of international law but also a direct threat to global energy.” The GCC, which includes Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain, has been targeted by drone and missile attacks amid rising tensions.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has severely disrupted a critical maritime passage that previously handled approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, exacerbating concerns over global energy stability and price volatility.
