Egypt’s president urges Israel-Iran de-escalation, return to talks in phone call with Oman’s sultan

CAIRO – 22 June 2025: Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has emphasized the importance of working to halt the ongoing escalation between Israel and Iran, warning of the severe consequences of conflict expansion in the region.

The president’s remarks came after the US announced on Sunday “obliterating” key Iranian nuclear facilities, joining a fierce war between Israel and Iran that started on 13 June.

Tel Aviv initiated the war when it bombed nuclear and military sites in Iran and assassinated key military officials and senior nuclear scientists.

The Israeli strikes, which have been supported by the US, disrupted Omani-mediated talks between the US and Iran, which aimed at limiting Iran’s nuclear enrichment.

In a phone call with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on Sunday, President Sisi stressed the necessity of returning to the negotiating table to prevent bloodshed.

Sisi also praised Oman's role in mediating between Iran and the United States, highlighting the need to restore and enhance the negotiation process to spare the region the ravages of war.

The Omani sultan commended Egypt's efforts to stop the violence in the region, affirming Oman’s commitment to collaborative work in this regard.

US President Donald Trump announced today a “very successful” attack on Iran’s nuclear sites of Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan, claiming that key enrichment facilities there were “totally and completely obliterated.”

Tehran accused the US of “betraying diplomacy” and launching a “dangerous war” against Iran.

While Tehran says it reserves all options to defend Iranian sovereignty, interest, and people, Trump warned Iran that any retaliation “will be met with force far greater than what was witnessed tonight.”

Egypt has expressed “grave concerns” over the recent US strikes and emphasized the necessity of respecting the sovereignty of nations.

Besides Iran-Israel tensions, the Egyptian and Omani leaders underscored the priority of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza.

They urged facilitating humanitarian aid to the enclave to save Gazans from the humanitarian tragedy they are facing due to Israeli aggression.

The two leaders reiterated that establishing an independent Palestinian state is the fundamental guarantee for sustainable stability in the Middle East.

They reaffirmed the firm Egyptian-Omani relations and expressed both countries’ commitment to advancing cooperation across various fields in line with the historical ties between them.