Egypt on Tuesday welcomed the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, describing the development as a “critical opportunity” to advance diplomatic negotiations and ease regional tensions.
In an official statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said the suspension of US military operations, alongside Iran’s response, represents a pivotal moment that should be leveraged to open the door for diplomacy, constructive dialogue, and negotiation. The ministry emphasized that such steps are crucial to preventing further escalation in a region already destabilized by ongoing hostilities.
“Egypt views this ceasefire as a significant opportunity that must be fully utilised to advance peace, security, and stability in the Gulf and the broader Middle East,” the ministry said. It called for a commitment to halting military operations, respecting freedom of navigation, and supporting all initiatives aimed at de-escalating conflict. The statement also underlined Egypt’s ongoing collaboration with regional and international partners to strengthen security in the area.
A key focus of Egypt’s position is the protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan. The ministry stressed that violations of national borders or aggressive actions targeting these states would be unacceptable and that their stability is intrinsically linked to Egypt’s own national security.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, spoke by phone on Wednesday with US Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, to discuss the latest developments and coordinate on next steps. Abdelatty expressed appreciation for the temporary ceasefire and stressed the need to give diplomacy a genuine chance. He highlighted the importance of initiating serious negotiations between the US and Iran to resolve outstanding issues in ways that ensure regional and international security while safeguarding freedom of navigation in critical waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz.
The minister also commended the efforts of Pakistan and other regional partners that facilitated dialogue between the conflicting parties. Egypt reaffirmed its support for initiatives designed to achieve a ceasefire and launch comprehensive negotiations, signaling readiness to work alongside international and regional stakeholders to consolidate peace.
US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he had agreed to “suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks.” The announcement came shortly before the expiration of a self-imposed deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and agree to terms, which Trump warned could otherwise result in severe military retaliation.
Regional tensions have surged since February 28, when the US and Israel conducted a joint offensive against Iran, resulting in over 1,340 fatalities, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran launched retaliatory drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as US military assets in Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries. It also imposed restrictions on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route, significantly raising concerns about energy security and international trade.
Egypt’s call for diplomacy underscores the critical role that regional actors can play in stabilizing the Gulf. By advocating for dialogue, respect for national sovereignty, and freedom of navigation, Cairo is positioning itself as a constructive mediator in a conflict that has far-reaching consequences for global security and commerce.
The Egyptian ministry further stressed that the ceasefire presents an opportunity to institutionalize mechanisms for monitoring compliance and preventing further escalation, highlighting the importance of transparency, coordination, and multilateral oversight. Egypt’s stance reflects a broader recognition that sustainable peace in the region requires the involvement of both global powers and regional actors who have a vested interest in maintaining stability.
In conclusion, Egypt welcomed the US-Iran ceasefire as a step toward de-escalation and expressed its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at dialogue and negotiation. The country reiterated its call for respect for territorial integrity, freedom of navigation, and sustained collaboration with international partners to ensure that the ceasefire translates into a durable and effective path toward peace in the Gulf and the Middle East.
