El Sisi meets CIA director as Cairo seeks to narrow gap between US and Iran

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El Sisi met with CIA Director John Ratcliffe on Sunday, as part of ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between the US and Iran regarding the terms for ending their conflict. The Egyptian leader praised the US for appreciating Egypt's role in supporting peaceful resolutions to regional crises. The US administration expressed its commitment to work closely with Egypt to achieve security and stability in the Middle East.

El Sisi conveyed Egypt's rejection of attacks on Arab nations and its desire for a comprehensive settlement to end the Iran crisis and restore security and stability in the region. Egypt, the most populous Arab nation and a close US ally, has been walking a tightrope balancing its historical bonds to Gulf Arab allies while maintaining good relations with Iran.

The country is keen to maintain communication channels with Tehran to safeguard its role as an effective mediator. Egypt also receives $1.3 billion in US military aid annually and has close ties with Russia and China. In light of the conflict, Egypt is seeking to end attacks on Arab nations and ensure adherence to international maritime laws governing shipping in the Red Sea and Bab Al Mandeb strait.

The steep rise in oil prices due to the conflict may force Egypt to increase domestic petrol prices, potentially deepening economic discontent. A major concern is the impact on Egypt's vital revenue from the Suez Canal should the Red Sea become disrupted. El Sisi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the Brics summit in New Delhi, where they discussed efforts to stop escalations and achieve a comprehensive, peaceful settlement.