The escalating regional tensions were discussed in a meeting between Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and Egypt’s president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi this past Thursday. President al-Sisi emphasized the importance of preventing the situation from further deteriorating, pointing to the ongoing warfare in Gaza and Lebanon led by Israel, as well as the reciprocal attacks between Israel and Iran.
Al-Sisi warned of the severe impact that a widespread regional conflict could have on the safety and future of every nation and its citizens in the region. As reported by Iran’s foreign ministry, Araghchi expressed Iran’s readiness to respond decisively if Israel escalated the situation, while also affirming the country’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region.
Araghchi’s statement was made in light of the potential reprisal by Tel Aviv for the missile attack by Iran on Israel on the first of October. This attack was Tehran’s counterblow to Israel’s assassination of Hizbullah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and Iran Revolutionary Guard’s commander, Abbas Nilforoushan, in Beirut the previous month.
Araghchi’s visit to Cairo marked the first in 13 years by a leading Iranian diplomat, during which he also held talks with his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdelatty. The relationship between Iran and Egypt had been strained until the conflict in Gaza broke out, with Egypt stepping in to broker a ceasefire.
Abdelatty was present at President Masoud Pezeshkian’s inauguration in Tehran in July, hinting at Pezeshkian’s goal of fostering positive relations with Arabian neighbors. Araghchi continued his regional tour by heading off to Turkey from Egypt, his ninth stop on the diplomatic endeavor.
Before his visit to Cairo, Araghchi held discussions in Jordan with foreign minister Ayman Safadi and King Abdullah. The king firmly said that Jordan would not allow its airspace to be used for missile launching from Iran to Israel or the other way around, and urged for an end to the Israeli attacks on Gaza and Lebanon, calling it a crucial initial step towards regional peace.
Araghchi had also made visits to Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq and Oman in the previous week.
The French official, Jean-Noel Barrot, had a conversation with his international colleague on Tuesday. France’s significant contribution in initiating a halt in the Israeli onslaught against Hizbullah in Lebanon is well-known. The UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, was warned about the possible threats a potential Israeli assault on Iran could impose by Mr Araghchi.
Iran, particularly Tehran, has been investing efforts in mending regional liaisons following the reconciliation between Iran, known for Shia dominance, and Saudi Arabia, primarily controlled by Sunnis, which was facilitated by China in March 2023. This amelioration in diplomatic bounds has permitted Tehran to enhance or reestablish relationships with other Arab locales.
On the same day in Cairo, Mohammad Bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, and Mr Sisi issued a call for a de-escalation, stability, and a focus on the deteriorating circumstances in Gaza and Lebanon. They expressed their belief that only the constitution of a Palestinian nation can guarantee lasting peace.