Egypt, Qatar call for return to US-Iran MoU to resume negotiations

ALAMEIN – 20 August 2026: Egypt and Qatar stressed the importance of returning to the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran and building on it to resume negotiations toward a final, sustainable agreement.

The agreement should address the concerns of all parties and contribute to strengthening regional security and stability, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said during a meeting in Alamein on Thursday.

The ministers emphasized the need to prioritize political and diplomatic solutions to regional tensions.

Securing Freedom of Navigation

The ministers stressed the importance of ensuring the security, safety and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law.

They called for avoiding measures that could disrupt international shipping and trade amid their direct repercussions on energy security, supply chains and the global economy.

During a joint press conference, the Qatari prime minister said freedom of navigation must be guaranteed without any state having to make efforts to secure it, stressing that maritime routes “must not be held hostage to political blackmail.”

He noted that Qatar is working with its Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and regional partners to find alternative diplomatic channels with Iran to restore navigation to its normal course.

Sheikh Mohammed expressed hope that this would be a positive step toward fully defusing the crisis, calling on Iran to assume its responsibilities, respond to regional efforts and consider the damage caused to countries in the region by the current situation.

Meanwhile, Abdelatty underscored the freedom of navigation, stating that “no state, regardless of who it is, can be allowed to disrupt international navigation.”

He also stressed rejection of any attempts to undermine freedom and security of navigation in the Gulf.

During the meeting, the foreign ministers discussed bilateral relations and major investments between the two countries, as well as several regional issues, including Palestine, Lebanon, and the Horn of Africa.

Their meeting comes ahead of the seventh session of the Egyptian-Qatari Joint Higher Committee in Alamein.