Egypt: Egypt is intensifying diplomatic efforts with regional and international partners to prevent the Middle East from sliding into a broader confrontation with Iran, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said Friday, warning that further escalation would deepen an already fragile regional landscape.

According to Anadolu Agency, speaking at a press conference after a meeting of the Arab-Islamic Contact Group's ministerial committee in Slovenia, Abdelatty emphasized that avoiding confrontation with Iran and prioritizing diplomatic solutions remain a top priority for Cairo, as the region faces overlapping crises. He noted ongoing coordination with key partners, including the United States and the European Union.

Indirect negotiations between the US and Iran began in Oman on Friday, aimed at defusing rising tensions over Tehran's nuclear program. This development highlights the urgency of diplomatic engagement in addressing regional challenges.

Turning to Gaza, the Egyptian foreign minister rejected any attempt to divide the enclave, stating that such moves are a 'red line that cannot be accepted.' He highlighted the extremely fragile conditions in Gaza, despite limited progress, and accused Israel of placing obstacles to Palestinian travel through the Rafah crossing and hindering the entry of humanitarian aid into the territory.

Abdelatty also expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in the occupied West Bank, citing Israel's 'continued policies of repression, intimidation of Palestinian civilians, and the seizure of land by force.' He stressed that Egypt continues to advocate for restraint across multiple fronts, cautioning that unchecked escalation, whether linked to Gaza, the West Bank, or tensions involving Iran, could drag the region into a broader and more dangerous conflict.