Egypt holds urgent talks with five countries to curb regional escalation

Egypt has intensified diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the region, holding talks with five key countries amid growing fears that the conflict could spiral out of control.

In a statement, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the contacts were directed by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and reflect concern over the rapidly deteriorating regional situation.

Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty held discussions with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

According to Foreign Ministry spokesman Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, the talks focused on the ongoing military escalation and its implications for regional security and stability, as well as the need to contain the conflict and prevent further spillover.

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Abdel-Aty stressed the importance of restraint and prudence, particularly in light of rising threats to maritime navigation, warning that any disruption could have serious consequences for global trade, supply chains, and oil and food prices.

He also reaffirmed Egypt’s firm support for Gulf security, describing it as directly linked to Egypt’s own national security, and rejected any aggression against Gulf states.

The diplomatic push comes amid escalating tensions since late February, following US and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliatory attacks targeting facilities in the Gulf and neighbouring countries.

The confrontation has raised concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, and contributed to rising energy and commodity prices.

Egypt said its efforts are part of a broader strategy to prevent further regional destabilisation and avoid a wider conflict.

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