Egypt, Iran Foreign Ministers Discuss Ties, Nuclear Talks
(MENAFN) On Monday, the foreign ministers of Egypt and Iran convened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to discuss strengthening ties, addressing regional issues, and Tehran's controversial nuclear program. The meeting took place on the sidelines of an emergency session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
According to Egypt’s Foreign Ministry, Badr Abdelatty, Egypt’s Deputy Foreign Minister, met with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, during the OIC summit. The talks primarily focused on expanding bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation on shared issues, with both sides stressing the need for “continued consultation and coordination between the two countries on bilateral matters of common interest.”
A key part of the discussion centered around the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, amid Israel's ongoing military operations. Abdelatty emphasized Egypt’s proactive efforts to broker a ceasefire and facilitate a prisoner swap agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The Egyptian diplomat also reaffirmed Cairo’s firm stance on Lebanon, underlining the need for respect of Lebanese sovereignty and the urgent withdrawal of Israeli forces from five disputed outposts in southern Lebanon, currently under Israeli control.
Abdelatty further condemned any actions that could destabilize Syria or threaten its people’s security, according to the Foreign Ministry.
In addition to regional security issues, both ministers deliberated on efforts to de-escalate tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear activities. Discussions also covered potential pathways to restart negotiations involving Iran, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the United States. The aim is to build mutual trust and foster an environment conducive to regional security.
Tensions have been mounting after Iran's parliament passed legislation in late June suspending cooperation with the IAEA, accusing the agency of bias against Iran in favor of Israel and the U.S. during their recent actions in the region.
Meanwhile, Araghchi held a separate meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, to explore ways to enhance bilateral ties and address the ongoing conflict in Gaza. According to a Saudi Foreign Ministry statement, the ministers discussed strategies for strengthening relations and focusing on regional developments, particularly the devastating situation in Gaza, where over 62,700 Palestinians have lost their lives since the outbreak of violence in October 2023.
The meeting also touched on the recent legal actions against Israel. In November 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes related to the Gaza conflict. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.
The talks between Egypt, Iran, and Saudi Arabia underscore the urgent need for diplomatic solutions in the face of ongoing regional instability.
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