Rubio unblocks $320 million in military aid to Egypt that had been withheld over human rights concerns

The State Department has waived a restriction on $320 million in military aid to Egypt, despite longstanding concerns over human rights issues in the country. Secretary of State Marco Rubio approved the waiver in the interest of U.S. national security, citing Egypt's contribution to the ongoing conflict with Iran. Egypt has played a crucial role as a mediator between the U.S. and Iran in efforts to de-escalate the more than seven-month-long conflict.

While the waiving of the restriction acknowledges Egypt's support in combating Iran, the State Department emphasized that the Trump administration would continue to raise human rights concerns in its dialogue with Egypt. The $320 million is part of the $1.3 billion annual U.S. contribution to Egypt in economic and military aid, specifically allocated for foreign military financing to enable the purchase of U.S.-produced weaponry.

Although Congress has inserted a requirement over concerns about Egypt's human rights record, which includes credible reports of torture, arbitrary arrests, child labor, and restrictions on expression, waiving the restriction has become routine for administrations of both parties. The Biden administration also granted a similar waiver in September 2024, citing Egypt's assistance in U.S. efforts to bring an end to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.