Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has warned that any outbreak of internal conflict or military escalation involving Iran could have grave consequences for the security and economic stability of the Middle East, stressing that Cairo is closely monitoring developments and intensifying quiet diplomatic efforts to contain tensions through dialogue.
Speaking during a pre-dawn inspection visit to the Egyptian Military Academy in the New Administrative Capital, President El-Sisi said the region is facing an accumulation of crises whose repercussions extend well beyond national borders. He emphasized that Egypt, as an integral part of the international system, is inevitably affected by regional and global upheavals.
“The crisis with Iran is escalating, and we are deeply concerned about its potential impact on the region,” President El-Sisi said, cautioning that any internal fighting or wider confrontation could trigger serious security risks and economic disruptions across the Middle East. He noted that Egypt is pursuing sustained and discreet diplomatic engagement aimed at lowering tensions and encouraging political dialogue.
The president’s remarks come amid heightened uncertainty surrounding Iran’s regional posture, its relations with Western powers, and its involvement in several Middle Eastern theaters. Analysts have warned that any destabilization inside Iran or direct confrontation could affect global energy markets, shipping routes, and already fragile regional economies.
President El-Sisi also addressed the ongoing situation in Gaza, describing the recent halt in hostilities as the result of direct international intervention. He credited U.S. President Donald Trump with playing a decisive role in pushing forward a ceasefire framework, describing him as a global peace broker whose efforts helped move the conflict toward a second phase of de-escalation.
He welcomed the United States’ announcement that the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement had entered into force, particularly following the handover of the final remains of Israeli hostages. According to President El-Sisi, the pause in fighting has created a critical opportunity to accelerate humanitarian aid deliveries and launch a comprehensive reconstruction process in the besieged enclave after nearly two years of war.
The Egyptian president reiterated Egypt’s readiness to support Gaza’s reconstruction and said the current moment represents a rare chance to alleviate civilian suffering and stabilize the territory. He added that he had personally thanked President Trump for his role during their recent meeting in Davos and renewed his appreciation during the visit.
Turning to domestic affairs, President El-Sisi sought to reassure Egyptians that economic conditions are showing steady improvement, pointing to growing investment opportunities and gradual gains from ongoing reform measures. He acknowledged public questions about when citizens would fully feel the benefits of economic reform but stressed that sustainable progress requires persistence and continued effort.
“Economic recovery is not instantaneous,” he said, adding that Egypt’s development model is based on long-term accumulation, with each generation building upon the achievements of the previous one. He emphasized that domestic stability remains strong and that essential goods are available despite global supply chain disruptions, particularly as the country approaches the holy month of Ramadan.
The president’s comments were delivered during an extensive tour of the Military Academy, where he was received by Lieutenant General Ashraf Zaher, the academy’s director. President El-Sisi underscored the importance of investing in youth and described young Egyptians as central to the country’s future.
During the visit, he met with female students from the Faculty of Medicine and trainees from the Ministry of Transport, toured sports and training facilities, and observed demonstrations of physical fitness, equestrian activities, and teamwork exercises. He also reviewed updates on the academy’s equestrian club and attended archery and horseback jumping displays.
President El-Sisi later shared breakfast with cadets, engaging them in open discussion and stressing the importance of maintaining physical fitness and healthy lifestyles beyond graduation. He said the academy’s academic curricula and examination systems were designed according to the highest standards, adding that Egypt is studying the establishment of specialized military colleges offering advanced education in fields such as politics, economics, medicine, and engineering.
The president also called on students to respect diversity of opinion and reject polarization, noting that the academy’s programs emphasize coexistence and mutual acceptance. He urged cadets to use social media responsibly and reaffirmed that appointments to public sector positions must be governed by objective, transparent criteria to ensure fairness and credibility.
President El-Sisi concluded his visit by attending a presentation on the academy’s new electronic historical archive, highlighting the state’s focus on institutional modernization and documentation.
The remarks reflect Egypt’s attempt to position itself as a stabilizing regional actor at a time of overlapping conflicts, while balancing diplomatic engagement abroad with economic reform and institutional development at home.
