US invokes Iran war to unlock military aid to Egypt

Washington has waived human rights conditions on $320 million in military aid to Egypt, citing the North African country’s assistance during the US-Israeli war against Iran. The move comes despite continuing concerns over Cairo’s treatment of government critics.

The State Department confirmed the decision on Thursday, saying top diplomat Marco Rubio approved the waiver “in the interest of US national security.” It cited Egypt’s importance to Washington and security cooperation between the countries, AP reported.

A September 21 letter to congressional committees, cited by Reuters and AP, said Rubio “has made a determination to waive the certification requirement with respect to $320 million in FY 2025 Foreign Military Financing for Egypt.” An accompanying September 4 memo described the decision as essential to US security priorities, “particularly in light of Egypt’s helpful role following Operation Epic Fury.”

The memo did not explain that role. Operation Epic Fury is Washington’s name for the campaign launched alongside Israel against Iran on February 28. The war has killed thousands across the region, disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and driven up energy prices. Egypt has been working with other countries to mediate between Washington and Tehran. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty discussed proposals to de-escalate the conflict with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, in New York on September 24, urging renewed US-Iran negotiations and safeguards for international shipping, according to Egypt’s Foreign Ministry.

Egypt has received around $1.3 billion annually in US military aid since the late 1980s, following its 1979 peace treaty with Israel, which formally ended decades of conflict between the two countries. Part of the funding requires certification of progress on human rights and democracy, subject to national security waivers. The military financing enables Egypt to buy US-made weapons.

The announcement comes after Egyptian security forces arrested six journalists from Matsadaash, an independent fact-checking and investigative outlet, late last month. The Interior Ministry accused the platform of spreading misinformation and having links to the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist movement banned in Egypt as a terrorist organization since 2013. Matsadaash denied any political affiliation.

US-based democracy watchdog Freedom House rates Egypt “Not Free,” with 18 out of 100 points for political rights and civil liberties in its 2026 report. It claims government critics risk prosecution and imprisonment, and that press freedom and public assembly are tightly restricted. Human Rights Watch’s February report also accused Egyptian security forces of torture, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial executions. Egyptian authorities say they are improving rights, with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi emphasizing stability and meeting basic needs.

Aid restrictions have previously strained relations between Washington and Cairo. In 2013, the US suspended $260 million in cash assistance and deliveries of tanks, fighter jets, helicopters, and missiles after Egypt’s army removed its first democratically elected president, Mohamed Mursi, amid mass protests. Cairo condemned the decision and said it would not bow to American pressure.

The administration of former US President Joe Biden also withheld portions of Egypt’s military aid over human rights concerns before approving its full allocation in September 2024. It waived conditions on $225 million and released another $95 million after certifying progress on political prisoner releases, citing Cairo’s Gaza ceasefire mediation.