El Sisi, Iranian FM discuss de-escalation and regional diplomacy: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Cairo yesterday, where the two sides discussed ways to boost ties and de-escalate rising tensions in the region, according to an Ittihadiya statement. El Sisi reiterated Egypt’s rejection of regional conflict spillovers and emphasized the need for a Gaza ceasefire and the restoration of maritime security in the Red Sea. Araghchi lauded Egypt’s stabilizing role and called for closer consultations going forward.

Nuclear concerns in the spotlight: The meeting came as a confidential IAEA report raised alarm over Iran’s expanding stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels, writes the Associated Press. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, who was also in Cairo on the issue with Iranian and Egyptian officials, called for a diplomatic solution, while Iran pushed back on the report’s credibility and transparency in ongoing talks with the US. Iran’s top nuclear officials rejected suggestions of military intent, accusing the IAEA of political bias.

El Sisi, Macron talk Gaza, investments, and June peace summit: El Sisi received a phone call yesterday from French President Emmanuel Macron, during which the two leaders reaffirmed their strategic partnership and pledged to accelerate French investment flows into Egypt, according to a statement from Ittihadiya. Macron’s call followed his April visit to Cairo, where the two countries elevated their ties to strategic level. The call also covered Gaza, with El Sisi reiterating Egypt’s backing for the June peace conference in New York.

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