Egypt welcomes temporary ceasefire between US, Iran

Egypt on Tuesday welcomed the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran, describing it a "critical opportunity" to advance negotiations.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said that the suspension of military operations by the US, along with Iran's response, represents a significant opportunity that should be seized to open the door for negotiations, diplomacy and constructive dialogue.

The ministry stressed the importance of building on this step through full commitment to halting military operations, respecting freedom of navigation and supporting all initiatives aimed at achieving peace and security, while reaffirming continued efforts with regional and international partners to strengthen stability in the region.

The statement also underscored the importance of "respecting the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity" of Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan, rejecting any violations, and emphasizing that their security and stability are closely tied to Egypt's own security.

Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty also spoke over the phone with US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff on early Wednesday to discuss the latest developments.

Abdelatty expressed appreciation for the temporary ceasefire, stressing "the need to give diplomacy a chance" and to begin serious negotiations between the American and Iranian sides to resolve all outstanding issues in a way that ensures regional and international security and guarantees freedom of navigation, the ministry said.

He also praised efforts by Pakistan and regional partners. and affirmed Egypt's support for initiatives aimed at reaching a ceasefire and launching negotiations, the ministry said.

US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he agreed "to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks."

Regional tensions escalated since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people to date, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. It also restricted the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.