Egypt welcomes US pause in Hormuz reopening operation to advance Iran deal efforts

CAIRO – 6 May 2026: Egypt welcomed the US decision to temporarily suspend its military operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz with the aim of facilitating ongoing efforts to reach and sign a final agreement with Iran.

Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty made the remarks during a phone call on Wednesday with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he is suspending the newly launched US military operation “Project Freedom” aimed at guiding ships through Hormuz, the key waterway through which roughly a fifth of global daily oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) passes.

He said the operation will be suspended “for a short period of time” to see “whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed” with Iran.

 

The operation began Monday and was followed by an exchange of fire between US and Iranian forces, as well as Iranian missile and drone strikes on the United Arab Emirates—the first such attacks since a ceasefire was announced early in April.

During the call, the foreign ministers affirmed the critical importance of sustaining the negotiation track between the US and Iran, stressing that the political and diplomatic path remains the only viable and effective means to resolve the current crisis.

They underscored continued efforts in cooperation with regional partners and in full coordination with the US to swiftly reach an agreement on general principles between the American and Iranian sides that address all concerns.

This should be followed by the launch of negotiations to implement those principles, they added.

Abdelatty also stressed the need to take into account the security concerns of Gulf Arab states and other countries in the region.

The ministers expressed their aspiration that all concerned parties adopt responsible and prudent positions, fully committing to diplomacy, negotiations and dialogue as the primary tools for addressing outstanding concerns.

They reaffirmed that the sustainability of regional security and stability rests fundamentally on prioritising political solutions that safeguard the resources and interests of the region’s peoples.