CAIRO — As the intense rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran continues to threaten Middle East stability, Egypt has been trying to play a mediating role. When the crisis recently extended into Lebanon, Cairo began deploying efforts to keep the small country from being dragged into a regional military conflict.

Egypt's foreign initiatives coincide with escalating tension between Saudi Arabia on one side and Iran and Hezbollah on the other. Hezbollah, a Shiite militant group, is based in Lebanon but is backed by Iran. Saudi Arabia is pressuring Lebanon to put a lid on Hezbollah activity.

Many believe part of that pressure involved the surprise resignation of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri. On Nov. 4, Hariri abruptly announced his resignation in a televised speech from Riyadh. Hariri cited death threats against him and accused Hezbollah and Iran of disseminating strife in the region. 

In response, however, Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah accused Saudi Arabia of holding Hariri against his will and forcing him to resign. The kingdom denies those charges.