Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called for the implementation of the US-Iran understanding and a reduction in regional tensions during a phone call with US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff on Tuesday.
Egypt's Foreign Ministry said the two sides discussed regional developments, as well as efforts to contain tensions and prevent escalation.
Egypt calls for preserving the understanding
Abdelatty said the US-Iran understanding should be preserved and the understandings reached under it should be implemented. He described the agreement as a constructive step toward easing tensions and strengthening security and stability in the Middle East.
The Egyptian foreign minister also called for increased regional and international efforts. Abdelatty said dialogue through political and diplomatic channels should be prioritized to further reduce tensions and prevent the conflict from spreading.
Freedom of navigation in international waters
The security of international waterways and freedom of navigation were also discussed during the phone call. Abdelatty called for maintaining safe and unrestricted maritime transport, preventing disruptions to shipping and complying with relevant international law.
Abdelatty said international waterways must be protected from the effects of regional tensions and escalation, adding that freedom of navigation is important for global trade, supply chains and energy security.
Implementation of understanding halted over Strait of Hormuz dispute
After the United States and Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran in late February, Tehran struck Israel and US military targets in the region. In mid-June, Washington and Tehran signed an understanding brokered by Pakistan and Qatar, but its implementation later halted due to disputes over the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States resumed its military attacks against Iran last month. Iran responded by targeting US military assets in some Arab countries aligned with Washington.
