US releases $320 million in military aid for Egypt citing role in Iran war
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The United States will release $320 million in military aid to Egypt after Secretary of State Marco Rubio waived longstanding human rights restrictions, citing Cairo’s contributions amid the ongoing war with Iran.
The decision, confirmed by the State Department on Thursday, covers Fiscal Year 2025 Foreign Military Financing funds previously subject to congressional conditions.
In a letter to congressional committees dated September 21 and an accompanying memo signed September 4, Rubio determined the aid is “necessary for counterterrorism, border security, or nonproliferation programs or is otherwise important to the national security interest of the United States.”
The memo stated: “Exercising this waiver authority is essential for the US-Egypt relationship and US national security priorities, particularly in light of Egypt’s helpful role following Operation Epic Fury.”
Operation Epic Fury is the US military’s name for the campaign against Iran launched with ‘Israel’ in late February.
The State Department said it emphasizes the strategic value of the partnership.
“The Secretary’s determination reflects the importance of Egypt to U.S. national security interests, and the concrete security cooperation Egypt provides to the United States,” a department statement said.
It added that the waiver “recognizes the importance of maintaining security cooperation with Egypt at a time of significant regional security challenges.”
Officials noted Egypt has served as a key mediator between the US and Iran in efforts to wind down the conflict, which has lasted more than seven months.
The $320 million forms part of Egypt’s annual approximately $1.3 billion in US economic and military assistance, a package that has continued since the late 1980s following Cairo’s 1979 peace treaty with ‘Israel’.
The funds are designated for Foreign Military Financing, enabling purchases of US-produced weaponry.
Congress attached the human rights certification requirement due to ongoing concerns about Egypt’s record.
Previous withholdings under the Biden administration created friction with Cairo.
In 2024, the prior administration also waived conditions to release the full aid package, citing Egypt’s role in Gaza mediation.
The spillover from the Iran conflict has strained Egypt’s economy through higher fuel prices and other disruptions.
