Egypt FM says Tehran-Gulf confidence needs to be restored after Iranian attacks

LONDON – 21 May 2026: Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty highlighted a state of “missing confidence” between Iran and the Gulf countries following Iranian attacks that targeted them during the US war with Iran.

During an interview with CNN host Christiane Amanpour on Tuesday, Abdelatty said “confidence-building measures” based on non-aggression would need to be taken.

“There is missing confidence between the two sides. So, we need to restore” this confidence, he said.

Regarding ongoing US-Iran talks, Abdelatty said Egypt is coordinating with regional countries, including Pakistan, Turkey and the Gulf Cooperation Council states, as well as with the Americans, to reach an understanding on the principles that will guide the negotiations.

The minister said a potential “memorandum of understanding” could “hopefully” be signed by the US and Iran to “lead the way for setting the parameters and principles,” expressing hope that “things will move in the right direction.”

He added that such an MoU would later be subject to negotiations over a specified period to address different issues, including the nuclear file.

Abdelatty stressed that Egypt and the Arab Gulf countries share a common position favoring dialogue and de-escalation.

He reaffirmed condemnation of all attacks targeting the Gulf countries and stressed the need for talks on the future of the region’s security architecture.

Since the start of the US-Israeli strikes on Iranian territory on February 28, Iran has launched thousands of retaliatory drone and missile attacks against several Arab countries hosting US military bases, killing dozens and injuring hundreds.

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has described Iranian attacks on Arab countries as “unacceptable under any circumstances,” noting that Egypt has conveyed a clear message to Iran that the Gulf states are not part of the war.

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Read more Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty's remarks on Gaza peace plan, Palestinian statehood, and Egypt-Israel peace treaty.