Egypt’s foreign minister urges continuation of Iran talks in call with US envoy Witkoff

By Abdulsalam Fayez

ISTANBUL (AA) - Egypt's foreign minister on Friday called for continued negotiations with Iran and avoiding escalation in the region during a phone call with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, according to a statement from Egypt’s Foreign Ministry.

During the call, Badr Abdelatty and Witkoff discussed regional developments, shared issues of concern, and the latest round of talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear file.

On Thursday, a third round of nuclear talks between Iran and the US was held in Geneva under Omani mediation. A second round took place in Geneva on Feb. 18, following an initial round hosted by Oman on Feb. 6, after talks had stalled in the wake of Israeli and US attacks on Iran in June 2025.

During the call, Abdelatty reaffirmed “Egypt’s support for diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving outstanding issues through negotiations,” the statement said.

He stressed “the importance of continuing the negotiating track and avoiding escalation in the region,” underscoring the need to settle pending disputes and reach compromise solutions that serve the interests of all parties.

Regional tensions have risen amid concerns that Washington, encouraged by Israel, could launch a military strike against Iran if no agreement is reached on its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, while Israel is preparing for a potential Iranian response.

The US is demanding that Iran fully halt uranium enrichment, transfer enriched uranium abroad and abandon its ballistic missile program, while signaling that military force remains an option.

In recent weeks, the US has reinforced its military presence in the region and signaled the possibility of military action to pressure Iran to abandon its nuclear and missile programs and curb “its regional allies.”

Tehran has accused Washington and Israel of fabricating pretexts for intervention and regime change and has warned it would respond to any military attack, even if limited, while insisting that sanctions relief must accompany any restrictions on its nuclear program.

Witkoff, for his part, praised Egypt’s “pivotal role” in supporting regional security and stability and its ongoing efforts to contain crises and advance political solutions that help calm tensions and enhance prospects for stability, according to the Egyptian statement.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio in Istanbul.