Egypt and Iran discuss how to go about making peace with the world’s most powerful military, even as it attempts to shield itself

Recent reports show that representatives from the two MENA countries advanced conversations on this shared interest on Saturday, highlighting the need to broker a fair peace deal between Iran and the United States.

The conversation between the Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Iranian colleague, Abbas Araghchi, which was held over the phone, also considered fellow Middle Eastern countries such as Oman, according to Egypt’s Foreign Ministry.

The two officials discussed diplomatic actions aimed at easing tensions and preparing for future conversations, as seen on Anadolu Ajansi.

Discussions covered Oman-mediated negotiations with Iran, as well as attempts to recommence the execution of a memorandum signed by Tehran and Washington, with the overarching goal of securing a long-term accord that answers unresolved concerns and strengthens regional stability.

Abdelatty advocated for more diplomatic involvement to avert future escalation and promote peaceful resolutions to regional problems.

He also emphasized the need to protect international maritime routes and the security of Gulf nations, stating that regional stability should benefit its people.

Both ministers discussed how “to create an environment conducive to de-escalation and a return to the diplomatic path – whether regarding the negotiation track between Oman and Iran or the resumption of the implementation of the US-Iran memorandum with the ultimate goal of reaching a comprehensive and sustainable agreement that addresses various concerns and enhances regional security and stability.”

Iran and the US signed the pact in June, following mediation efforts including Pakistan and Qatar that helped bring hostilities to a stop.

The accord gave the two parties 60 days to work toward a larger deal.

However, discussions have been delayed because of differences over the memorandum’s implementation and the laws governing marine transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

The strategic waterway is especially vital for global energy markets since it transports a considerable amount of globally traded crude oil and natural gas.

The blockade has forced Egypt to find ways to protect itself from its effects.

In April, Egypt began strengthening its cargo corridor with Italy as rising instability around the Strait of Hormuz pushed exporters and shipping companies to seek safer alternative routes linking Europe, the Gulf and Africa.

At the time, shipping data from Lloyd’s List statistics showed that interruption in the Strait of Hormuz had significantly raised global trade expenses, with barely five to seven ships crossing daily compared to the typical 140 to 178 boats, while more than 230 oil tankers had become stranded and 37 vessels had been rerouted.

War-risk insurance premiums increased from 0.15% to 5% to 10% of hull value, resulting in losses in the tens of billions of dollars and higher fuel and shipping expenses for African importers.

By July, it was reported that Gulf oil producers were bolstering preparations to minimize their reliance on the Strait, potentially positioning Africa’s Red Sea coastline, which includes Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti, at the center of a new global energy map.

Governments and energy corporations in the Gulf began pursuing at least seven significant pipeline projects that are either under construction, in advanced development, or being discussed.

The projects aim to divert crude oil to export terminals in the Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Mediterranean, avoiding the Strait of Hormuz, where tensions with Iran have frequently hampered shipping.