Cairo

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi discussed regional developments and efforts to revive diplomacy aimed at reducing tensions during a phone conversation, according to Egypt’s Foreign Ministry.

The two ministers discussed ways to create conditions for returning to a diplomatic track, including implementation of a memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran on June 18. The discussions come amid renewed regional tensions and uncertainty over the future of US-Iran negotiations.

Abdelatty stressed the need to intensify diplomatic efforts to contain the escalation and reach peaceful understandings that could help restore security and stability in the region. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring the freedom and safety of international navigation and protecting the security and stability of Gulf states.

Araghchi briefed his Egyptian counterpart on Iran’s assessment of recent regional developments, the progress of negotiations and the challenges facing the diplomatic process. Under the US-Iran MoU, negotiations were expected to take place within 60 days to reach a final agreement, but the deadline passed on Monday without clarity over the talks’ future.

The diplomatic efforts come against the backdrop of renewed tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump has threatened further economic action against Iran, while Iranian officials have stressed the need for a new regional security framework.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Tehran had received numerous messages from neighbouring countries regarding new security arrangements and economic cooperation. He argued that regional countries should develop an independent security order.

The latest Egypt-Iran contact reflects continuing diplomatic efforts by regional actors to prevent further escalation. Cairo has repeatedly stressed dialogue, regional stability and the protection of navigation as essential elements for reducing tensions.

The discussions also underline concerns over the wider consequences of instability in the Gulf and surrounding waters, where prolonged tensions could affect regional security, trade and international shipping.

Diplomacy sum up

• Ministers discuss stalled US-Iran talks.
• Egypt urges regional stability, safe navigation.
• US-Iran MoU deadline passes without agreement.
• Tensions rise around Strait of Hormuz.
• Trump threatens further economic sanctions.
• Iran proposes independent regional security order.