Egypt Daily News – In a significant diplomatic move, Egypt hosted a trilateral meeting on Monday involving Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi, and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty. The aim was to narrow differences between Tehran and the agency and to pave the way for reviving the Iranian nuclear agreement.
Cairo’s message: de-escalation over confrontation
During the talks, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Foreign Minister Abdel Aaty held separate meetings with both Araghchi and Grossi. Egypt emphasized that any military option should be categorically ruled out, advocating instead for diplomacy and mutual respect.
“We must not waste the current opportunity to reach a nuclear agreement,” said Abdel Aaty in a joint press conference with Grossi. He stressed Egypt’s rejection of military escalation and its commitment to peaceful dialogue, especially between Iran and the United States.
Abdel Aaty confirmed Egypt’s willingness to support peaceful negotiations, including backing Omani mediation efforts, though he did not provide further details.
Egypt’s role: regional stability and disarmament
President El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s long-standing position on creating a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction. Egypt has promoted this vision since the mid-1970s. The Egyptian leadership stressed the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue due to its direct implications for regional and Arab security.
Abdel Aaty said: “We support a peaceful solution that respects countries’ rights to civilian nuclear energy while ensuring regional stability. Escalation is an unwise path — military action will not benefit anyone.”
Regional issues discussed
In his press appearance with Araghchi, Abdel Aaty said the two discussed a range of regional issues, including:
- the Gaza conflict, ceasefire efforts, and humanitarian access
- developments in Syria, Lebanon, and the Red Sea
- strengthening bilateral ties following earlier presidential meetings in Cairo and Kazan, Russia
- launching regular political consultations between Egypt and Iran
Iran’s position: we want a deal — not restrictions
Araghchi stated that this was the fourth time he had met President El-Sisi in the past year and the tenth meeting with Egypt’s foreign minister, reflecting a desire by both countries to expand cooperation.
He reaffirmed Iran’s stance: “Our nuclear program is peaceful. We are ready to provide any necessary assurances. Enrichment is our right, and while we do not seek nuclear weapons, we will not give up our legitimate rights under international law.”
He accused the West of applying double standards by pressuring Iran while ignoring Israeli nuclear threats, including those related to Gaza.
Araghchi said Iran remains committed to negotiations with the United States, which have included five rounds of talks mediated by Oman. However, he noted that Washington has yet to change its stance on sanctions, a key obstacle to any agreement.
Grossi: our reports are technical, not political
IAEA Director Rafael Grossi defended the agency’s recent report on Iran, saying it was based solely on inspections and technical data. “The report tells it as it is,” he said, acknowledging that while it might be uncomfortable for some, it is impartial and accurate.
The Gaza war, Red Sea tensions, and maritime security
Both Egypt and Iran reiterated their support for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and detainees, and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid. Araghchi also voiced full support for Palestinian rights and praised Egypt and Qatar’s mediation efforts.
On the Red Sea crisis, Araghchi said: “The Houthis are an independent group. We support them politically, but they act on their own. Their operations are tied to the war in Gaza. If the war stops, so will their actions in the Red Sea.”
Abdel Aaty added that freedom of navigation in the Red Sea is vital for Egypt and the region. He noted that Egypt supported the US-Houthi ceasefire agreement in Yemen and aims to help ensure it remains in effect.
Conclusion
Egypt is emerging as a key mediator in Middle East diplomacy, using its regional influence and long-standing disarmament principles to bring Iran and the IAEA closer to a solution. While the prospects for a new nuclear deal remain uncertain, Cairo is sending a clear message: diplomacy, not confrontation, is the only way forward.
