Egypt urges de-escalation, diplomacy in talks with US, Iran

CAIRO – 28 January 2026: Egypt has called for de-escalation and diplomacy in separate talks with Iran and the United States, warning against further instability amid rising regional tensions.

In phone calls with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed the need to intensify efforts to reduce tensions and achieve calm.

Abdelatty cautioned against plunging the region into new cycles of instability, underscoring the importance of creating a conducive environment for diplomatic solutions and sustainable political settlements that support regional security and stability.

The Egyptian foreign minister also emphasized the necessity of adhering to diplomatic pathways and preparing the ground for the resumption of dialogue between Washington and Tehran to reach a comprehensive agreement on Iran’s nuclear file.

He emphasized that such agreement should take into account the interests of all parties and contribute to security and stability at both the regional and international levels.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have sharply escalated in recent weeks following an Iranian crackdown on anti-government protests, prompting threats of possible US military action.

Human rights organizations say the crackdown has resulted in thousands of deaths, raising international alarm.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that an additional “armada” of American naval vessels is heading toward Iran “right now,” a day after US Central Command announced that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group had arrived in the Middle East.