Al-Akhbar: Egypt scales back diplomatic ties with Iran to avoid Gulf tensions

Cairo has recently scaled back its diplomatic engagement with Iran in a deliberate move to avoid tensions with the Gulf monarchies, according to Egyptian diplomatic sources, cited by Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar.

Despite ongoing contacts with Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as well as Cairo’s mediation efforts following the start of U.S.-Israeli actions against Tehran, Egypt’s official diplomatic role has been reduced, the paper says.

Sources describe this as a “deliberate political manoeuvre” aimed at preventing broader regional tensions with Gulf states, given that Egypt’s initial position was seen as neutral, prioritising a ceasefire through diplomatic channels.

Nevertheless, Cairo continues to maintain dialogue with various parties, though the shift is reflected in official statements repeatedly referencing “Iran’s aggression against its neighbours in the Gulf.”

This tone was evident during Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty’s participation in a four-way ministerial meeting with counterparts from Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia in Islamabad.

Al-Akhbar links this change in approach to the need to preserve “Arab unity” and secure economic support from wealthy oil monarchies, which continue to play a key role in sustaining Egypt’s economy.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov