CIA Director John Ratcliffe meets with Egyptian president in Cairo amid regional escalation
The meeting, confirmed by the Egyptian presidency, was also attended by the head of Egypt's intelligence services, Hassan Rashad, and addressed the ongoing conflicts in Iran, Gaza and Sudan, as well as attacks against Gulf countries and threats to maritime security.
John Ratcliffe on Capitol Hill—File Photo
CIA Director John Ratcliffe held a high-level meeting in Cairo on Sunday with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, against a backdrop of growing tension in the Middle East following clashes between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthis.
Ratcliffe arrived in Cairo one day after Washington urged Americans to reconsider travel to the region, with Riyadh and the Houthis—allies of the Iranian regime—exchanging attacks.
The meeting's agenda
The meeting, confirmed by the Egyptian presidency, was also attended by the head of Egypt's intelligence services, Hassan Rashad, and addressed the ongoing conflicts in Iran, Gaza, and Sudan, as well as attacks against Gulf countries and threats to maritime security.
The Egyptian president emphasized "the paramount importance of settling regional crises through political and diplomatic tracks," according to a statement from the presidency. El-Sisi expressed his support for efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement that resolves the crisis with Iran and restores regional security, while ensuring freedom of international navigation.
Regarding Gaza, the Egyptian president called for the full implementation of the second phase of the United States' plan, attributed to President Donald Trump, to reinforce the ceasefire, protect the civilian population and ensure unimpeded humanitarian access to the enclave. On Sudan, he reiterated Egypt's support for the neighboring country's unity, stability and national institutions, describing Sudanese sovereignty and territorial integrity as "non-negotiable principles."
Sale of F-35s to contain the Houthis
A few days earlier, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with el-Sisi in Cairo. Both called for ensuring navigation through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, following the Houthi offensive along the Yemeni coast.
Washington declined to join attacks against the Houthis, a request that Riyadh had made. Instead, the State Department authorized a potential sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia for $24.3 billion, still subject to congressional review. The official announcement states that the package would help Riyadh "deter current and future threats."
Egypt remains a key American ally in the region and one of the main recipients of U.S. military aid.
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