Egypt intensifies diplomatic efforts to halt expansion of Iranian-Israeli war

CAIRO – 19 June 2025: In line with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's directives to intensify communications to halt the military escalation between Israel and Iran, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration Badr Abdelatty held two phone calls with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and British National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell on Wednesday, June 18. They exchanged views and assessments regarding the rapid developments in the region.

In his call with the French foreign minister, Minister Abdelatty emphasized that exerting concerted regional and international efforts to de-escalate the situation in the region is a must to avoid expanding the conflict. 

He warned of the extremely dangerous repercussions for the security and stability of the region if the military escalation continues, emphasizing that there is no alternative to political and diplomatic solutions to de-escalate the situation, achieve a ceasefire, and resume negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program. 

As for the Israeli genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, Minister Abdelatty highlighted the catastrophic situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. He stressed the importance of consolidating efforts to resume the ceasefire, reviewing the role played by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States in this context. 

He also emphasized the importance of alleviating the suffering of the Palestinians, ensuring the provision of humanitarian aid, and working to find a political horizon for the Palestinian cause through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the two-state solution. 

He expressed hope that European countries would recognize the Palestinian state, considering it a key pillar for achieving peace, security, and stability in the Middle East. 

Meanwhile, during his call with the British national security advisor, Minister Abdelatty reviewed Egypt's efforts to de-escalate the situation, underscoring the need to contain the military escalation between Israel and Iran. He pointed out the responsibility of the E3 group (the UK, France, and Germany) to open channels for dialogue and negotiation with the Iranian side to reach compromises that contribute to de-escalation. 

The French and British officials commended Egypt's efforts to halt the current escalation in the region and lauded its constructive efforts on the Palestinian issue. They agreed to continue to coordinate to avoid escalation in the region and utilize available diplomatic channels to de-escalate the situation.

Since June 13, 2025, Iran and Israel have exchanged the launch of missiles and drones, killing dozens and injuring hundreds in both countries, besides bombing vital nuclear and scientific facilities. Iran said that most of the killed people are women and children, in addition to several nuclear scientists and military leaders.