Cairo: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced that Egypt is prepared to mediate and promote political and diplomatic solutions to the ongoing Middle East crisis, following a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Sisi condemned Iranian attacks on several Arab countries during the conversation.

According to Anadolu Agency, Sisi expressed Egypt's "categorical condemnation and complete rejection" of Iranian strikes targeting Gulf countries, Jordan, and Iraq. He highlighted that these countries have not supported or participated in the war against Iran. Instead, they have contributed to de-escalation efforts and backed negotiations between Tehran and Washington aimed at reaching a diplomatic resolution.

Sisi reiterated Egypt's commitment to reinforcing the principle of good neighborliness and called for an immediate cessation of the attacks. He warned that continued escalation could jeopardize regional stability. The Egyptian president emphasized Cairo's readiness to mediate and prioritize political and diplomatic solutions to the crisis.

Further, Sisi stressed the importance of respecting international law, the UN Charter, and the sovereignty of states, while advocating for non-interference in their internal affairs. Iranian President Pezeshkian expressed appreciation for Egypt's efforts to reduce regional tensions, as per the statement.

The conflict originated with Israeli and US strikes on Iran on February 28, resulting in the death of hundreds, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. This prompted Iranian missile and drone retaliations targeting Israel and US interests in the region. Iran's attacks on what it refers to as "US sites and interests" in Arab states have caused casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure, drawing condemnation from the affected countries.