Egypt calls for Red Sea navigation security as Iran tensions rise

Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called for Red Sea navigation security and de-escalation of Iran-related tensions during phone calls with counterparts from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and a senior US adviser on 30 September 2026. Abdelatty stressed the need to preserve freedom of navigation through the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab strait and rejected the use of maritime chokepoints as instruments of pressure, according to Egypt's Foreign Ministry.

Calls with Gulf foreign ministers#

Abdelatty spoke separately with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who serves as both Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, with Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Saudi Foreign Minister, and with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the UAE Foreign Minister. The discussions covered the Iran crisis, regional escalation, developments in Yemen and Red Sea security. In the call with the Saudi minister, both sides discussed the need to maintain secure passage through the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab. Abdelatty stated that Egypt backs Saudi Arabia's security and stability and opposes any attacks targeting its territory or sovereignty, while supporting measures Riyadh takes to protect its security.

Diplomatic coordination with US#

The Egyptian minister also spoke with Massad Boulos, senior adviser to the US president for Arab and African affairs. The call covered strategic relations between Cairo and Washington and developments in Sudan. Abdelatty stated Egypt's position backing Sudan's unity, sovereignty and national institutions, repeating a stance Cairo has conveyed in previous discussions with the US adviser. The Foreign Ministry said the calls formed part of Egypt's ongoing diplomatic coordination with Washington and Gulf states on regional crises.

De-escalation and political channels#

Abdelatty called for intensified regional and international efforts to prevent the Iran-related conflict from widening and for strengthening political and diplomatic channels to avoid a broader confrontation. In the call with the Qatari counterpart, both sides discussed the crisis involving Iran and the latest regional escalation. With the UAE foreign minister, the two sides called for intensified efforts to reduce tensions and support political and diplomatic settlements. The ministry said the focus remains on containing escalation and safeguarding freedom of navigation along key maritime routes.