Steve Witkoff
Iran's delegation, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, is set to hold its first meeting with the mediators, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said.
During a phone call on Saturday with US special envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed Egypt’s commitment to working with regional partners to help secure a final deal that addresses the concerns of all parties.
He underscored the importance of adhering to diplomatic efforts and prioritizing dialogue to safeguard the security and stability of regional states and their peoples.
The foreign minister affirmed the need for reaching a political settlement away from the specter of war.
He cited Iran’s position in ongoing peace negotiations, saying he sees “no point” in sending the delegation on a long flight under the current circumstances in the talks.
Egypt has intensified diplomatic efforts to help broker potential talks between the United States and Iran aimed at de-escalating rising regional tensions, a source told Axios on Monday.
The visit comes a day after Iran and the US held indirect talks in Oman, which were described by Trump as “very good.”
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty made the remarks during recent talks with the foreign ministers of Qatar, Oman and Iran as well as US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
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 first meeting of the members of the Palestinian National Committee for the Administration of the Gaza Strip began Friday in Cairo.
U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said Friday that the Rafah crossing must be opened from both sides to complete the final stages of ending the war in Gaza.
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty received a phone call Thursday evening from Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy for the Middle East, to coordinate on regional issues and the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States.
U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff announced the start of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday. Witkoff expressed his deep gratitude to Egypt, Qatar and Turkey for their efforts, which enabled the progress in Gaza.
Foreign Minister Abdelatty spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi, and US President’s Middle East Envoy Steve Whitkoff.
Witkoff made the remarks as he delivered a speech Saturday evening at the Hostages Square in central Tel Aviv, alongside Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump.
Egypt has been hosting intensive talks between Hamas and Israeli delegations since Monday, aimed at securing the release of all captives held by Hamas and ending the war that has continued for more than two years and killed over 67,000 Palestinians.
“Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will travel to Egypt later today to finalize the technical details of the hostage release and discuss the lasting peace deal,” media quoted a White House official as saying.
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty made the remarks during a meeting on Wednesday with US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Abdelatty made the remarks in a meeting with Secretary-General of the Central Committee of Fatah Movement Jibril Rajoub in Cairo on Sunday.
Witkoff did not give further details about the meeting or its participants as he spoke during an interview with Fox News’ “Special Report with Bret Baier” show on Tuesday.
