Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty launched an intense diplomatic push to defuse escalating tensions between the US and Iran. Minister Abdelatty visited Qatar and met with Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman.
According to a statement from Egypt's Foreign Ministry, the two ministers discussed regional developments and emphasized the importance of de-escalation. They underscored the need to abide by the memorandum of understanding signed between the US and Iran and to return to the negotiating table.
Qatar Calls for Dialogue
A separate statement from Qatar's Foreign Ministry said Prime Minister bin Abdulrahman called on all parties to commit to dialogue and diplomacy and to implement the agreement reached within the framework of the memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran. The call was said to encompass ensuring safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, preserving regional security, and consolidating regional stability.
Abdelatty also held phone calls the same day with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi. Egypt's Foreign Ministry announced that the calls addressed efforts to de-escalate and ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
Escalating Tensions
The diplomatic engagements came at a time when tensions continue to escalate despite the memorandum of understanding signed in June. US President Donald Trump had declared on July 8 that the ceasefire was over following attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
In recent days, the Houthis announced the start of operations in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, taking tensions to a new level. While the US demands that Iran stop the targeting of ships, Tehran insists on establishing a mechanism to regulate ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
Qatar and Oman stand out as regional actors in US-Iran mediation, keeping communication channels open with both Washington and Tehran. About one-fifth of the oil and gas transported by sea passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for global energy markets, while the Bab al-Mandab Strait forms the main route between the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
