Iran’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo on Thursday. This rare meeting focused on preventing the expansion of conflict in the region.
Araghchi’s visit marks the first time an Iranian foreign minister has been to Cairo since 2013. The trip is part of his regional tour after Iran launched a missile barrage against Israel on October 1, prompting Israel to vow retaliation.
According to a statement from Sisi’s office, both leaders emphasized the importance of halting regional escalation. They called for intensified efforts to achieve ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon.
Iran’s state news agency reported that Sisi and Araghchi agreed on the need to end the violence in Gaza and Lebanon. They also discussed assisting displaced civilians and stopping what they referred to as Israel’s expansionist aggression.
The meeting highlights the ongoing diplomatic rapprochement between Egypt and Iran after decades of strained relations. The countries have increased diplomatic exchanges in recent years, particularly following the outbreak of the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas.
Egypt, which has historically mediated between Israeli and Palestinian officials, has been working alongside Qatar and the United States. Despite these efforts, they have not secured a ceasefire, and the conflict has extended to Lebanon, where Iran supports Hezbollah.
Araghchi’s diplomatic efforts aim to contain the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon from spreading further. His tour has already included visits to Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq, Oman, and Jordan. The Iranian foreign ministry said Turkey is the next stop.
Iran’s missile attack was reportedly in retaliation for the deaths of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, and an Iranian general. On Thursday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards chief warned of a severe response if Israel strikes Iranian targets.