Cairo Hosts High-Stakes Talks on Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation Amid Iran-IAEA Tensions

Egypt hosted a series of high-level diplomatic meetings on Monday aimed at easing rising tensions between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), with a strong emphasis on the importance of peaceful nuclear cooperation.

The day’s engagements began with bilateral talks between Egypt’s Foreign Minister and his Iranian counterpart, followed by a separate meeting between the Egyptian minister and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. The discussions culminated in a rare trilateral session involving all three parties — a concerted effort to defuse the standoff and revive constructive dialogue.

The diplomatic flurry follows the release of a recent IAEA report containing sensitive information about Iran’s nuclear program, which triggered a sharp backlash from Tehran. In response, Egypt stepped in to mediate, leveraging its longstanding role as a regional interlocutor to bridge divides and advocate for diplomacy over escalation.

“Egypt reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes,” an official source said following the meetings, highlighting Cairo’s push to contain tensions and encourage mutual trust between Iran and the international nuclear watchdog.

In a parallel diplomatic track, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi held separate meetings with both the Iranian Foreign Minister and the IAEA chief. During his talks with the Iranian official, President El-Sisi expressed Egypt’s support for mediation efforts led by Oman to help stabilize U.S.-Iran relations. The two also discussed key regional issues, notably the Palestinian cause, with El-Sisi reiterating Egypt’s unwavering commitment to regional peace and security.

The IAEA Director General lauded Egypt’s close cooperation with the agency, particularly in the field of peaceful nuclear energy. He cited the El-Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant as a flagship project, describing it as a model for responsible, civilian use of nuclear technology in the region. The facility, currently under development on Egypt’s northwestern coast, is expected to significantly contribute to the country’s energy self-sufficiency.

Monday’s meetings underscore Egypt’s growing diplomatic role in addressing complex regional challenges and promoting dialogue on nuclear non-proliferation — a timely intervention at a moment of heightened international concern.