Egypt FM urges restraint to preserve regional stability in phone call with Iran FM

CAIRO – 3 August 2024: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized the recent unprecedented and serious developments in the region, urging all parties to exercise restraint to prevent the situation from escalating further out of control.

During a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri on Saturday, Abdelatty cautioned that the recent developments threaten to expand the conflict, endangering the stability of countries in the region and the interests of their people.

Abdelatty reiterated Egypt's stance, advocating for an end to the war in Gaza, which constitutes the primary factor driving increased tension and confrontation in the area.

He reaffirmed Egypt's rejection of Israeli escalation policies, assassinations, and violations of other countries' sovereignty. Abdelatty stressed that these actions do not benefit any party and will only worsen the conflict and complicate efforts to contain the crisis.

Bagheri praised Egypt for its dedication to the security and stability of the region.

The Iranian foreign minister expressed gratitude to Abdelatti for attending the inauguration of New President Masoud Pezeshkian. He said this gesture demonstrates Egypt's interest in observing this significant event alongside the Iranian people and government.

Global concerns are mounting over a potential all-out war in the region, with expectations of Iran launching a retaliatory strike against Israeli interests following the recent killing of Head of Hamas' political bureau Ismail Haniyeh last week.

Haniyeh was assassinated in his residence in Tehran shortly after participating in the inauguration of Pezeshkian.

The Israeli military has declared a state of high alert in anticipation of an Iranian counterattack on Israel, while the Pentagon has announced the deployment of additional warships and fighter jets to deter any potential assault.

Several major airlines, including United, Delta, and Lufthansa, have suspended flights to and from Israel due to concerns about the escalating security situation.

Haniyeh's assassination occurred amid Israel's recent series of targeted killings aimed at leaders of Palestinian factions in Gaza and Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon.

Following Haniyeh’s death, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed retaliation, characterizing it as a "duty." Reports indicate that Khamenei has ordered a direct strike against Israel.

Both Hezbollah and Hamas have also pledged to avenge Haniyeh's killing, heightening fears of a potential regional conflict.