Egypt and Iran have discussed renewed diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions and create conditions for negotiations….reports Asian Lite News Desk
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi discussed regional developments and diplomatic efforts to ease tensions during a phone call, as Cairo and Tehran pushed for conditions that could allow a return to negotiations.
The two ministers discussed efforts to create conditions for renewed diplomacy, including implementation of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the United States and Iran on June 18, according to a statement from Egypt’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday.
Abdelatty stressed the need to intensify diplomatic efforts to contain the current escalation and reach peaceful understandings aimed at restoring security and stability across the region.
He also highlighted the importance of ensuring the freedom and safety of international navigation and respecting the security and stability of the Gulf states in a manner that serves the interests of people across the region.
Araghchi briefed Abdelatty on Iran’s assessment of recent developments, the progress of negotiations and the challenges facing the diplomatic process, according to the statement.
Under the US-Iran MoU, the two sides were scheduled to hold negotiations within 60 days with the aim of reaching a final agreement. The deadline ended on Monday, but the future of the talks remains uncertain amid renewed tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Washington would launch “the most crushing economic operation ever taken” against Iran, adding to uncertainty over prospects for a diplomatic breakthrough.
Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Iran had received “numerous” messages from neighbouring countries concerning efforts to develop new security arrangements and expand economic cooperation in the region.
In a post on X on Saturday, Qalibaf accused the United States of putting the security of its allies at risk through what he described as “bullying and pure disregard for their interests for the sake of Israel.”
“A homegrown, independent (regional) order is what will actually deliver peace and security,” he added.
The latest diplomatic contacts come amid heightened tensions following military action involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
The United States and Israel launched joint airstrikes on Iran on February 28, prompting Tehran to respond with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US military bases in regional countries, according to Xinhua news agency.
Media reports, citing regional officials, have said Gulf Arab states were frustrated with Washington over its decision to initiate the conflict and what they viewed as inadequate protection for their territories.
Egypt has sought to maintain diplomatic engagement with regional parties as tensions threaten to affect wider security, trade and navigation in the Gulf.
The discussions between Abdelatty and Araghchi underline continued efforts to keep diplomatic channels open despite the uncertainty surrounding the US-Iran negotiations and the broader regional escalation.
Strapline: Egypt and Iran have discussed renewed diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions and create conditions for negotiations. Cairo also stressed the importance of Gulf security and freedom of international navigation.
