OMM Redaksiyası
Egypt has called for the resumption of negotiations between the United States and Iran and an end to escalation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to statements issued by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty made the appeal during separate meetings with his Iranian and Omani counterparts on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
During talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Abdelatty discussed efforts and proposals aimed at reaching an agreement to contain tensions and reduce escalation.
“The utmost importance of every country fulfilling its responsibilities to ensure the movement and freedom of international navigation, limiting the negative repercussions of the crisis on the global economy,” Abdelatty said.
He also stressed the need to respect the security and stability of Gulf countries and the wider region, while calling for a return to dialogue and the resumption of diplomacy through negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
“Negotiations are the only way to end the current crisis and put an end to the escalation that is causing severe harm to the interests of all countries in the region,” Abdelatty said.
Disputed implementation of agreement
Washington and Tehran signed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding on June 17. The agreement provided for an end to military operations that had begun in late February and arrangements to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to navigation.
Implementation later stalled because of disagreements over the agreement’s application and navigation through the strait. Clashes resumed in July.
Egypt and Oman discuss Red Sea security
In a separate meeting with Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Abdelatty discussed regional developments and the situation in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The talks also covered the Iran crisis and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as Oman’s efforts, in coordination with Egypt and other mediators, to reduce escalation.
Abdelatty emphasized “the priority of halting escalation and avoiding any steps that could fuel tensions and threaten security and stability,” along with the need to ensure freedom of navigation in accordance with international law.
Yemen’s Houthi group announced a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia on July 20 in response to what it described as a Saudi air and sea blockade of areas under its control in Yemen.
