Diplomacy only path to prevent further Middle East instability, El-Sisi tells Pezeshkian

CAIRO – 31 January 2026: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi stressed the need to avoid escalation and expressed opposition to military solutions during talks with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday.

El-Sisi received a phone call from his Iranian counterpart, during which they discussed developments related to Iran’s nuclear file, the Egyptian Presidency said in a statement.

The call comes amid mounting tensions between Iran and the US, after US President Donald Trump reiterated threats to strike Iran unless it agrees to negotiate a new nuclear deal, while Tehran has warned it would retaliate against any attack.

El-Sisi expressed Egypt’s deep concern over rising regional tensions, emphasizing that diplomatic efforts remain the only viable and effective path to resolving the crisis, in a way that spares the Middle East further instability and unrest.

The Egyptian president reaffirmed Egypt’s continued efforts to help bring the United States and Iran back to the negotiating table, with the aim of reaching a comprehensive and peaceful settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue that would bolster regional and international stability.

El-Sisi underscored that point previously in talks with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, the statement added.

The president said Egypt looks forward to all relevant parties prioritizing dialogue to overcome differences and reach a comprehensive settlement.

He reiterated Egypt’s support for all initiatives aimed at de-escalation.

The Iranian president expressed appreciation for Egypt’s constructive role in preventing escalation and safeguarding regional security and stability.

Pezeshkian affirmed Tehran’s keenness to enhance political consultation and coordination with Cairo in support of regional stability.