In 1971, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat signed a friendship treaty with the Soviet Union, but by 1972, he had asked Soviet advisers to leave Egypt. The Soviets, engaged in détente with the United States, advised against Egyptian military action against Israel. Despite this, Sadat, seeking to regain the Sinai Peninsula and boost national morale after the 1967 war defeat, was inclined toward war with Israel, aiming for a victory to change the status quo.^[139]

Before the 1973 war, Sadat launched a diplomatic campaign, gaining support from over a hundred countries, including most Arab League and Non-Aligned Movement members, and the Organization of African Unity. Syria agreed to join Egypt in the conflict.

During the war, Egyptian forces initially succeeded in crossing into the Sinai and advanced 15 km, within the range of their own air force. However, instead of consolidating their position, they pushed further into the desert, suffering heavy losses. This advance created a gap in their lines, which was exploited by an Israeli tank division led by Ariel Sharon, penetrating deep into Egyptian territory and reaching the city of Suez. Concurrently, the United States provided strategic airlift support and $2.2 billion in emergency aid to Israel. In response, OPEC oil ministers, led by Saudi Arabia, imposed an oil embargo against the U.S. A United Nations resolution, supported by both the U.S. and the Soviet Union, eventually called for an end to hostilities and the start of peace talks. By 4 March 1974,^[140] Israeli troops withdrew from the west side of the Suez Canal, and shortly after, the oil embargo against the U.S. was lifted.

Despite the military challenges and losses, the war was perceived as a victory in Egypt, largely due to the initial successes that restored national pride. This sentiment and the subsequent negotiations led to peace talks with Israel, ultimately resulting in Egypt regaining the entire Sinai Peninsula in exchange for a peace agreement.