Ibrahim Khazen, Ikram Kouachi
13 April 2025•Update: 14 April 2025
CAIRO / ANKARA
Egypt’s foreign minister held talks on Sunday with his counterparts from Oman and Iran, along with US envoy Steve Witkoff, to calm regional tensions and secure a sustainable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Badr Abelatty held separate phone conversations with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss a recent round of indirect negotiations in Oman between Tehran and Washington, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The top Egyptian diplomat also held a similar talks with Witkoff.
According to the readout, Abdelatty commended Oman’s “constructive and vital role” in facilitating the negotiations and reiterated his full support for “all efforts aimed at achieving political solutions through dialogue and negotiation to strengthen regional security and stability.”
The top diplomat also praised the US and Iran for their cooperative tone and willingness to pursue a diplomatic path, stating that such engagement “opens the door for solutions that reduce tensions in the region.”
Abdelatty voiced hope that the ongoing dialogue would “launch a new phase of de-escalation” and swiftly lead to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
The outreach came a day after Oman hosted the first round of indirect US-Iran talks, with both sides describing the discussions as “positive and constructive.”
A second round is scheduled to take place next week.
The talks centered on Iran’s nuclear program and the easing of sanctions. While Washington and Tel Aviv accuse Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, Tehran maintains its program is strictly for peaceful purposes, including electricity generation.
