Iranian, Egyptian FMs discuss regional developments

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty held a phone call amid expected talks between Iran and the United States.

The Iranian foreign minister shared the information in a post on his Telegram channel, Caliber.Az reports, citing Araghchi's Telegram post.

"During the call, the Iranian Foreign Minister, referring to the constructive and coordinated role of regional countries in reducing tensions and maintaining regional stability, expressed appreciation for Egypt's special diplomatic efforts and initiatives.

The latest developments in the region were discussed during the conversation. The Iranian minister thanked Cairo for its efforts and diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing tensions and maintaining stability in the region.

The exchange marks the latest in a series of high-level contacts against the backdrop of Iran’s deepening, multi-layered crisis. The country has been rocked by domestic unrest since the late-2025 “Lion and Sun” protests, triggered by economic collapse following the June 2025 twelve-day Israel–Iran war, runaway inflation, and the sharp devaluation of the rial.

At the same time, tensions have escalated externally, with the United States significantly reinforcing its military presence in the Gulf, including the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group. President Donald Trump has issued explicit threats of military action unless Tehran agrees to sweeping concessions on nuclear enrichment, missile development, regional proxy support, including the Houthis and the remnants of Hezbollah, and the killing of protesters.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei dismissed demonstrators as “foreign agents,” a narrative that preceded a sweeping crackdown between January 8 and 15. According to opposition estimates, the security forces killed hundreds, imposed widespread internet blackouts, and initially accelerated executions, later suspending them after Washington declared “red lines.”

Despite the severity of the unrest, no major defections from the ruling elite have been reported. However, mobilization within the Iranian diaspora has intensified. Reza Pahlavi has emerged as a focal point of opposition activity, calling for global demonstrations on February 14 under the banner of a “Global Action Day.” Protests are expected to draw up to 100,000 participants in Munich, coinciding with the Munich Security Conference, with demands ranging from regime dismantlement and expanded sanctions to the formation of a transitional government.

Against this backdrop, Egypt has stepped up its mediation efforts since late January 2026. Cairo, positioning itself as a neutral Arab actor, is increasingly concerned about regional spillover risks, including potential refugee flows, disruptions to energy markets, and threats to Red Sea shipping from Houthi activity.

By Khagan Isayev