Egypt Steps Up Diplomatic Contacts to De-escalate Regional Tensions

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held intensive consultations on Saturday evening with a number of Arab, Islamic, and international officials as part of efforts to contain rising military tensions in the region.

The calls come as a deadline set by Donald Trump for Iran to respond to a U.S. proposal approaches, raising concerns over a potential escalation.

According to the ministry, Abdelatty held phone talks with several Arab foreign ministers, including Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani of Qatar, Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani of Bahrain, and Badr Al Busaidi of Oman.

The Egyptian minister also spoke with Hakan Fidan, Ishaq Dar, Rafael Grossi, as well as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.

The ministry said the discussions addressed the “serious and rapidly evolving developments” in the region, with participants exchanging views and proposals on ways to reduce military escalation at a critical juncture.

Abdelatty affirmed the need to prioritize wisdom and restraint to defuse tensions and avoid further escalation and destruction. He also underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in preserving regional security and stability, and safeguarding broader common interests.

The diplomatic outreach reflects Egypt’s ongoing efforts to play a mediating role amid heightened regional volatility and growing fears of a wider conflict.