Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Cairo on Tuesday to discuss developing bilateral relations and the latest developments in the Iranian nuclear file. The meeting also covered Egypt's efforts to facilitate cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement. The two ministers discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations and praised the frequency of recent meetings and contacts between the two sides. They affirmed their desire to continue consultation and coordination on bilateral issues of common interest and to strengthen economic, trade, and tourism cooperation. The ministers also discussed regional developments, foremost among them the situation in Gaza, stressing the need to stop Israeli "aggression," ensure the entry of humanitarian aid, and reject the displacement of the Palestinian people. On the nuclear file, Abdelatty emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to create conditions for a "satisfactory and sustainable" settlement between Iran and the IAEA that considers the interests of all parties and contributes to de-escalation, restoring trust, and creating a supportive climate for regional security and stability. The visit follows a series of phone calls that Abdelatty conducted in recent days with both Araghchi and IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi, as part of an intensive effort by Egypt to mediate between the parties. The calls, which were made on a presidential directive to support de-escalation, aimed to create conditions for the resumption of negotiations between Iran and the IAEA and to bridge the gap between the various parties involved. The ministry stated that these contacts are part of Egypt's efforts to reach understandings that bring the views of Iran, the United States, and the European E3 countries closer, with the goal of allowing for diplomatic solutions and a return to the negotiating table to prevent escalation and support regional and international peace and security.
