Egypt, Iran leaders discuss Tehran nuclear file, regional de-escalation amid tensions

By Mohammad Sio

ISTANBUL (AA) - The leaders of Egypt and Iran discussed Iran’s nuclear file and efforts to reduce regional tensions during a phone call on Saturday, with Cairo stressing the need for diplomatic solutions and warning against military escalation, according to the Egyptian presidency.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received the call from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, the presidency said in a statement. The conversation addressed developments related to Iran’s nuclear program, with Sisi expressing Egypt’s “deep concern” over rising tensions in the region.

Sisi stressed the need to avoid escalation and rejected military solutions, underscoring that diplomacy remains “the only and optimal path” to resolving the crisis in a way that spares the Middle East further instability, the statement said.

The Egyptian president said Cairo continues to make intensive efforts to encourage the US and Iran to return to the negotiating table, with the aim of reaching a peaceful and comprehensive settlement of the nuclear issue.

Earlier on Saturday, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani said a “structured framework” for negotiations is “taking shape and moving forward,” signaling progress in efforts to de-escalate tensions with the United States following days of heightened strain.

Pezeshkian, for his part, expressed appreciation for Egypt’s role in seeking to prevent escalation and preserve regional security and stability. He also voiced Iran’s keenness to strengthen political consultation and coordination with Egypt in support of regional stability, according to the presidency.

The phone call comes amid an ongoing US military buildup in the Persian Gulf region and tensions with Iran. The US President Donald Trump keeps threatening Iran and said Saturday that “the US has sent a large fleet toward Iran, larger than forces it has deployed in Venezuela.”