FM holds series of phone calls on regional developments, US-Iran talks

Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aati held a series of phone calls on Saturday with senior officials to discuss the latest regional developments, including ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and advance diplomatic engagement over the US-Iran file. In a call with US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, Minister Abdel-Aati stressed the importance of reducing regional tensions and avoiding the risks of uncontrolled escalation that could threaten the security and stability of the region. He reiterated the need to remain firmly committed to the diplomatic track and to prioritise dialogue as the most effective means of safeguarding regional peace and stability. Both sides exchanged views on the trajectory of US-Iran negotiations, the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East, and international efforts aimed at containing tensions and advancing de-escalation. For his part, Witkoff praised Egypt’s role in supporting regional stability efforts and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to continued coordination and consultations with Cairo in the coming period. In a separate call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister Abdel-Aati emphasised the importance of intensifying diplomatic efforts, stressing that prioritising dialogue and negotiation remains the only viable path to resolving outstanding issues and ensuring the security and stability of regional states and their peoples. The two ministers reviewed developments in US-Iran negotiations, reaffirming the need to reduce tensions and avoid the risks of uncontrolled escalation that could undermine regional stability. In another engagement, Minister Abdel-Aati also held a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as part of continued consultations on US-Iran negotiations and wider regional developments. The Iranian foreign minister briefed the Egyptian chief diplomat on the latest progress in talks between Tehran and Washington, conducted through mediators, and ongoing efforts to reach mutually acceptable understandings between the two sides. For his part, Abdel-Aati reiterated the importance of sustaining the diplomatic track and working towards a breakthrough that would help reduce tensions in the region, while preventing further escalation and the widening of conflict and its implications for regional security and stability. During his call with his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Foreign Minister Abdel-Aati affirmed the importance of prioritising dialogue and diplomatic engagement as the primary means of addressing the current crisis. The two sides stressed that continued serious negotiations represent the only viable path to resolving outstanding issues and avoiding the consequences of escalation that could threaten regional peace and stability. The post FM holds series of phone calls on regional developments, US-Iran talks appeared first on Egyptian Gazette.