Why did Egypt attract the interest of the superpowers during the Cold War?

During the Cold War, Egypt attracted the interest of superpowers primarily due to its strategic geographical location, controlling the Suez Canal, a vital trade route. Additionally, Egypt's leadership under President Gamal Abdel Nasser promoted pan-Arabism and sought to align with the Soviet Union, which alarmed Western powers, particularly the United States. The competition between the U.S. and the Soviet Union for influence in the Middle East further intensified their involvement in Egyptian affairs, as both sought to secure alliances and counter each other's influence in the region.