Egypt FM urges against unchecked escalation in call with Witkoff; US, Iran report progress in talks

CAIRO – 23 May 2026: Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff discussed the trajectory of negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the nearly three-month war.

In a phone call on Saturday, Abdelatty stressed the need to lower regional tensions and avoid the risks of unchecked escalation that could threaten the security and stability of the region, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

He underscored the importance of adhering to diplomatic efforts and prioritizing dialogue to safeguard the security and stability of regional states and their peoples.

Egypt has stepped up contacts with regional partners in a bid to mediate an agreement between Washington and Tehran that would prevent an already fragile ceasefire from collapsing, with US President Donald Trump weighing a return to war.

Trump is expected to hold phone calls on Saturday with the leaders of Middle East partners involved in de-escalation efforts, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE and Turkey, as well as Pakistan, an Arab official told Reuters.

Trump also told CBS News on Saturday that Iran is “getting a lot closer” to reaching an agreement with the US on the war.

Tehran also reported progress in talks.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran is finalizing a memorandum of understanding focused on ending the war and paving the way for further negotiations on other issues.

Sources told Reuters the proposed framework would unfold in three stages, including formally ending the war, resolving the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, and launching a month-long, extendable window for negotiations on a broader deal.

However, Trump today said he will discuss a recent draft Iran agreement with advisers and could make a decision on Sunday on whether to resume strikes on Iran, Axios reported, citing an interview with him.

“Either we reach a good deal or I’ll blow them to a thousand hells,” Axios quoted him as saying.