Egyptian President Calls for Middle East Nuclear-Free Zone

(MENAFN) On Monday, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi underscored the urgent need to create a Middle East free of nuclear weapons, according to an official statement from the Egyptian presidency.

This declaration came during a Cairo meeting with Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Grossi praised Egypt’s proactive and historic leadership in global disarmament efforts.

At a joint press briefing broadcast later alongside Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Grossi remarked, "When it comes to nuclear issues, everything should be peaceful."

Meanwhile, Abdelatty expressed his endorsement for resolving the Iranian nuclear matter through diplomatic and peaceful means, warning that any military actions would destabilize the region.

In a separate televised press event with Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Abdelatty revealed that discussions centered on enhancing regional security and finding durable solutions to the Palestinian conflict. The talks also addressed the Iranian nuclear dossier, reaffirming Egypt’s dedication to preventing escalation in the Middle East.

Araghchi highlighted that both Egypt and Iran are vital regional players committed to fostering peace and stability across the area.

Earlier, on Saturday, Iran rejected a recent UN nuclear watchdog report as “politically motivated and lacking balance,” criticizing it for failing to accurately portray Tehran’s level of cooperation with the IAEA.

In a joint communiqué from Iran’s Foreign Ministry and Atomic Energy Organization, Tehran condemned the document—prepared by Grossi under the directive of the agency’s 35-member Board of Governors—as misleading.

MENAFN03062025000045017169ID1109629521