Sisi intensifies diplomacy to end Iran war as Egypt warns of regional fallout

CAIRO, Egypt (MNTV) — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has intensified diplomatic outreach across the Middle East as Egypt warns that US-Israel’s escalating war on Iran could destabilize the region and trigger serious global economic consequences.

According to Middle East Online, speaking during the annual Egyptian Family Iftar gathering in Cairo, Sisi described the current moment as one of the most dangerous periods the region has faced in recent years.

“Our region is standing at a historic crossroads,” he said, cautioning that continued military escalation could produce severe humanitarian, security and economic repercussions that would affect the entire region.

Egyptian officials have grown increasingly concerned that the widening confrontation — driven largely by Israeli and US military operations against Iran — could draw additional countries into the conflict and further destabilize an already fragile Middle East.

In response, Sisi said Egypt is working intensively through diplomatic channels to prevent the war from spreading across the region.

According to the Egyptian presidency, Sisi spoke by phone with Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani, reaffirming Egypt’s support for the sovereignty and security of Iraq.

Sisi emphasized Cairo’s opposition to any violations of Arab state sovereignty and warned against attempts to pull regional countries into the expanding conflict.

The two leaders also discussed strengthening Arab coordination to address the growing security challenges resulting from the war.

In recent days, Sisi has also held consultations with several regional leaders, including Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Abdullah II.

Egyptian officials described the discussions as part of efforts to reinforce collective Arab security and prevent the war from expanding further.

Meanwhile, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty began a regional tour that includes Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, aimed at strengthening diplomatic coordination and easing tensions.

Egypt has also offered to mediate between Iran and the United States in an attempt to halt the conflict.

Economic shockwaves spreading

Sisi warned that the war is already affecting the global economy, disrupting supply chains and pushing up energy and food prices.

He said the tense geopolitical climate created by the conflict has cast a “heavy shadow” over international markets.

Egypt itself has begun feeling the economic pressure, with rising global energy prices contributing to the government’s recent decision to increase fuel prices for the first time this year.

Analysts warn that if the war continues, the Middle East could face deeper economic instability, especially if fighting spreads to major energy-producing regions or disrupts key maritime trade routes.

The escalating conflict has also raised alarms over international shipping routes, particularly the strategically vital Suez Canal.

During a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Osama Rabie, Sisi reviewed the impact of the regional war on canal traffic.

Officials said Egypt is maintaining heightened operational readiness to ensure uninterrupted navigation through the waterway, one of the world’s most important maritime trade corridors.

Authorities are also expanding maritime industry projects, including developing shipbuilding capabilities and increasing local production of maritime equipment such as tugboats.

At home, Sisi acknowledged public frustration over rising fuel prices and growing economic pressures.

“I understand the negative reactions to the recent increase in petroleum prices,” he said, explaining that the government had been forced to take difficult measures to avoid deeper financial strain.

Egypt spends around $20 billion annually on petroleum products to operate electricity and energy infrastructure, he said.

The government is therefore accelerating efforts to expand renewable energy production, targeting 42 percent of electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030.

Call for unity amid regional turmoil

Sisi also urged government officials to communicate more openly with the public about economic challenges, amid criticism in Egyptian media that authorities have not been sufficiently transparent.

He warned that regional instability and repeated global crises have placed severe pressure on Egypt’s economy, including a sharp drop in revenues from the Suez Canal.

Despite these challenges, Sisi said the government remains committed to expanding social protection programs and protecting vulnerable families.

He also warned that traders exploiting the crisis to raise prices could face legal penalties.

As tensions escalate across the Middle East, Sisi called on Egyptians to remain united.

“Unity and vigilance are essential in these difficult circumstances,” he said, warning that miscalculations have already led to the collapse of several states in the region.