Iran declines invitation to Sharm el-Sheikh summit, citing US "threats" and sanctions

Iran has decided not to participate in the summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on the US-backed proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, citing Washington's "threats" and sanctions against it.

The relevant statement was published by Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on his X page, per Caliber.Az.

“Iran is grateful for President El-Sisi's invitation to attend the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit. While favoring diplomatic engagement, neither President Pezeshkian nor I can engage with counterparts who have attacked the Iranian People and continue to threaten and sanction us,” Araghchi wrote.

Despite the move, Araghchi said: “Iran welcomes any initiative that ends Israel's Genocide in Gaza and ensures the expulsion of occupation forces.” “Palestinians are fully entitled to secure their fundamental right of self-determination, and all States remain obliged, more than ever, to assist them in their lawful & legitimate cause,” he added.

“Iran has always been, and will always remain, a vital force for peace in the region. Contrary to the genocidal Israeli regime, Iran is not after Forever Wars —particularly on the dime of its purported allies— but seeks Forever Peace, Prosperity, and Cooperation,” Araghchi stressed.

In late September, U.S. President Trump put forward a 20-point "Comprehensive End of Gaza War" plan, outlining phased exchanges of all 48 remaining hostages—approximately 20 alive and 28 bodies—for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners starting October 11, partial Israeli troop withdrawals, Hamas disarmament, increased humanitarian aid, and international oversight for reconstruction and a two-state solution framework. Indirect talks in Sharm el-Sheikh from October 7 to 9, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye, initiated Phase 1 on October 10, with 12 hostages released on October 11 via the Rafah crossing.

The October 13 Sharm el-Sheikh "Peace Summit," co-chaired by Trump and Egypt's Abdel Fattah el-Sisi with 20+ leaders, aims to formalise the ceasefire, discuss Phase 2 (full withdrawal), and deploy a multinational force.

Neither Israel nor Hamas representatives will attend the event.

By Khagan Isayev