Egypt stresses freedom of navigation, Gulf security in talks with Iran

CAIRO – 22 August 2026: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed the importance of ensuring international freedom of navigation and respecting the security and stability of Gulf countries during a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday.

The ministers discussed efforts to create conditions for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy, including the Oman-Iran negotiations and implementation of the June 18, 2026 US-Iran memorandum of understanding (MoU), the Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement.

These efforts should pave the way toward a comprehensive and sustainable agreement that addresses all concerns and strengthens regional security and stability, the statement added.

Abdelatty underscored the need to intensify ongoing diplomatic efforts to reduce current tensions and reach peaceful understandings that could help restore security and stability across the region.

He also stressed the importance of ensuring the freedom and safety of international navigation and respecting the security and stability of Gulf countries in a way that serves the interests of all peoples of the region.

Abdelatty also heard from Araghchi about Iran’s assessment of current developments, the course of negotiations and the challenges facing them, according to the statement.