Egypt rejects Trump’s call for free passage through Suez Canal

The head of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), Osama Rabie, has stated that Egypt will not grant any preferential treatment to US ships or others, emphasizing that Cairo is committed to the 1888 Convention of Constantinople, which prohibits discrimination in fees or services.

Rabie's remarks came in response to a call from US President Donald Trump, who recently demanded that American military and commercial vessels be allowed to pass through the Suez Canal for free.

Rabie said that Egypt respects international agreements and charters, confirming that its position aims to ensure fairness and non-discrimination among nations.

"This is not a position against the United States, but rather to preserve the principle of equal treatment," he said.

The authority's chairman noted that the canal is facing a major crisis due to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, which have caused a more than 50% drop in the number of transiting vessels. Currently, 30 to 35 ships pass through daily, compared to more than 65 before the crisis.

This has had a severe impact on revenues, which fell by 61% in 2024 to $3.9 billion, down from $10.2 billion in 2023. The number of transiting ships also decreased from 26,434 to 13,213 during the same period.

Egypt has refused to join any military alliances against the Houthis. "It is not Egypt's policy to enter into alliances against any Arab country, as the Houthis are part of Yemen," Rabie said.

In an effort to mitigate the crisis, the Suez Canal Authority has announced discounts of up to 15% for giant ships in a bid to attract maritime traffic. Rabie also called on international insurance companies to reduce insurance fees for ships passing through the Red Sea, noting that the stability of navigation would return with a cessation of the war in Gaza, which would end the justification for targeting ships.

Trump had previously stated on his Truth Social platform that American ships should have free use of the Panama and Suez Canals, claiming the US was the reason both canals were made possible.