Iran and Egypt Demand Swift, Lasting Ceasefire in Gaza, Urge Humanitarian Aid Access

Araghchi, currently visiting Cairo as the initial stop in a two-nation regional tour, delivered remarks during a joint press conference with Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty on Monday.

He praised the endeavors by Egypt and Qatar to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, stating, “Iran endorses any ceasefire agreement that receives backing from the people in Gaza.”

The top Iranian diplomat expressed hopes for the swift establishment of a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, urging the exchange of prisoners and the entry of humanitarian aid into the region. The diplomat also conveyed well wishes to Egypt for success in its efforts toward achieving these goals.

Last week, Al Jazeera reported, citing unnamed sources, that the Palestinian resistance group Hamas and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff had met in Doha, Qatar, where they reportedly agreed on a framework for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. This development holds the potential to bring an end to the protracted 19-month conflict.

On May 30, Hamas called on the United States to offer “serious” assurances to halt Israel’s continued military actions in Gaza. The group emphasized that any prospective agreement should encompass a ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the blockaded region.

The movement announced that it is currently in discussions with other Palestinian factions regarding a ceasefire proposal recently obtained from Witkoff. It is in the process of reviewing the proposal with the aim of establishing a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.

**No Barrier Can Hinder Growth of Iran-Egypt Relations**

Araghchi stated that there are no barriers hindering the enhancement of relations between Iran and Egypt. He emphasized that both nations hold significant roles in fostering peace and security within the region.

Tehran has expressed a keen interest in enhancing relations with Cairo, highlighting that officials from both nations currently enjoy a strong level of trust and are more committed than ever to expanding bilateral ties.

The top Iranian diplomat announced that the route to enhancing bilateral relations is clearer than ever, adding that both nations have reached an agreement to boost tourism between them.

Araghchi indicated that the two nations have successfully enhanced their collaboration on regional matters within the framework of international organizations.

Tehran and Cairo have agreed to maintain ongoing political dialogue and consultations while aiming to bolster trade exchanges between the two nations.

“Iran has stated that a deal with the United States will not be reached if the country’s right to uranium enrichment is not acknowledged.”

Araghchi emphasized the ongoing indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States, asserting that Tehran will not agree to any accord with Washington unless its right to uranium enrichment is upheld.

Iran’s Foreign Minister has announced that the nation is preparing to deliver an “appropriate response” to components of a United States proposal that was relayed through Oman.

Iran has stated that its forthcoming response will align with the nation’s established positions and principles, ensuring the protection and upholding of the rights of its citizens.

Recent reports indicate that the United States has put forward a proposal urging Iran to halt all uranium enrichment activities. Under this proposal, Iran would become part of a regional consortium dedicated to the production of nuclear power.

Iran’s chief negotiator emphasized that the country’s pursuit of enrichment activities aligns with international agreements and asserted that Tehran cannot be stripped of this entitlement.

Araghchi declared that any demands conflicting with the rights of the Iranian populace would not be accepted.

He underscored Iran’s primary condition in ongoing negotiations with the United States, emphasizing the need for the complete removal of all severe sanctions.

Iran has reaffirmed the peaceful intent of its nuclear program, expressing full confidence in its non-aggressive nature. Officials have stated their willingness to provide assurances and build trust with the international community, emphasizing transparency and asserting that there is nothing to conceal.

Araghchi issued a cautionary statement to European nations regarding the potential activation of the snapback mechanism, expressing optimism that they will refrain from “making such a mistake.”

He stated that the policy in question would exacerbate the current crises, while expressing confidence that diplomatic efforts could resolve the issues.

The snapback mechanism enables the re-imposition of sanctions against Iran that were previously lifted under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).