Egypt’s Foreign Minister: IRGC holds real power in Iran, but peace talks must continue

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, speaking on the programme 'On The Record', described the region as highly volatile and noted that the framework agreement signed between the US and Iran in June collapsed last month. Describing the situation as a 'deadlock', he stated that while Iran has assured him of its commitment to the agreement, he believes negotiations have shifted from diplomats to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Nevertheless, Abdelatty emphasized that Egypt must continue contacting counterparts to push for peaceful solutions.

The Foreign Minister highlighted the economic toll of regional crises on Egypt, noting that the war in Gaza, Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have cost the country approximately $11 billion in Suez Canal revenue. Despite record debt, he insisted the Egyptian economy remains resilient, citing 5.5 per cent growth and significant foreign currency reserves.

Regarding the Gaza crisis, Abdelatty identified Israel as the primary obstacle to peace. He stated that although Palestinian factions, including Hamas, agreed in Cairo to surrender weapons and establish a Palestinian National Committee to govern Gaza, the first phase of the peace plan remains unimplemented due to Israel's failure to allow sufficient aid and reconstruction efforts.

Abdelatty also addressed water security, calling it an existential threat to Egypt. He warned against the consequences of Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, asserting that if the flow of the Nile is interrupted, Egypt reserves the right to defend itself in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter to protect its national security.