According to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Egypt’s role during a phone call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, commending Cairo’s contribution to humanitarian evacuation operations involving nationals of several countries through Egyptian territory amid the ongoing US–Israeli war on Iran.
Rubio also lauded Egypt’s efforts to support regional security and stability, highlighting the strength of Egypt–United States relations and the mutual benefits of the strategic partnership between the two countries across various fields.
During the call, the two sides reviewed the latest regional developments amid what they described as a dangerous escalation and widening conflict. The discussion comes as Iran has retaliated by targeting US military assets in the Gulf and carrying out strikes against Israel.
Abdelatty reaffirmed Cairo’s position that political and diplomatic solutions must be prioritized to prevent the region from descending into a vicious cycle of conflict and violence with grave consequences for its peoples and resources.
He reiterated Egypt’s full condemnation of attacks targeting the Gulf states as well as Jordan, Iraq, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, stressing that there is no justification for assaults on the security and sovereignty of states.
Abdelatty further warned of the catastrophic repercussions of the continuing cycle of violence and the expansion of the conflict, which he said threatens both regional and international peace and security. He also emphasized the importance of intensifying regional and international coordination to maintain stability and safeguard international maritime security.
The call comes as the war in the Middle East enters its second week, with Iran continuing a large-scale retaliation campaign targeting US and Israeli military presence in the Gulf region.
Iran’s attacks came in response to earlier strikes by Washington and Tel Aviv on the Islamic Republic that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, several senior officials, and nearly 170 students in a deadly school bombing.
Meanwhile, the US and Israel announced an intensification of their military operations, with fresh strikes hitting Iran and Lebanon in a conflict that has drawn in global powers, disrupted energy and transport networks, and heightened instability across the region.
Gaza
According to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, the two officials also discussed several other regional issues, foremost among them developments in the Gaza Strip, particularly in light of the first meeting of the Board of Peace held in Washington, D.C. on 19 February.
Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to accelerating the implementation of the obligations under the second phase of US President Donald Trump’s plan and providing full support to the National Committee for the Administration of the Gaza Strip.
He also stressed the importance of deploying an International Stabilization Force in Gaza to ensure adherence to the ceasefire, describing it as a necessary step to pave the way for early recovery and reconstruction efforts across the enclave.
The Egyptian foreign minister further emphasized the importance of ensuring the continued flow of humanitarian and relief aid to all areas of Gaza.
Lebanon
The situation in Lebanon was also addressed during the call. Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s rejection of any infringement on Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
He stressed the need for the full and non-selective implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and called for an end to all Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty.
Abdelatty also affirmed Egypt’s support for the Lebanese state’s efforts to monopolize arms and extend its authority and sovereignty over all Lebanese territory.
Horn of Africa
The two sides also discussed developments in the Horn of Africa, where Abdelatty emphasized the importance of preserving the unity, security, sovereignty, stability, and territorial integrity of both Eritrea and Somalia.
He rejected any recognition of the self-declared state of Somaliland, describing it as a violation of international law that undermines Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity and weakens the foundations of stability in the Horn of Africa.
Abdelatty warned that such steps could have serious repercussions for regional security and stability, particularly in the Red Sea region.
Water security
The call also addressed Egypt’s water security. Abdelatty praised a letter sent by the US president to President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and his efforts to strengthen the foundations of regional and international peace and stability.
He stressed that the Nile River is a lifeline for the Egyptian people, who face severe water scarcity, firmly rejecting any unilateral measures concerning the river, which is a transboundary waterway.
The foreign minister added that Egypt remains committed to principles of serious and constructive cooperation with Nile Basin countries in accordance with international law, in a manner that safeguards shared interests without harming any party.
Sudan
Abdelatty and Rubio also discussed the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The Egyptian foreign minister stressed the need to preserve Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity while supporting its national institutions.
He praised US efforts within the international Quad, expressing Egypt’s aspiration to continue cooperation and coordination with Washington to support de-escalation and create conditions conducive to resuming a comprehensive political process in Sudan.
Abdelatty also highlighted Egypt’s regional and international efforts to support Sudan.
Both sides agreed to maintain close consultation and coordination in the coming period on various regional and international issues of mutual concern, in a way that supports efforts to maintain regional and international peace and stability.
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