El-Sisi warns Middle East faces ‘attempts to redraw map’, calls for Gulf role in any Iran deal
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi delivers a televised address marking Sinai Liberation Day in Cairo, April 25, 2026.
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Egyptian Presidency
26/04/2026 – 18:59 GMT+2
The Egyptian president warned that the Middle East is entering a “critical phase”, with attempts to redraw its map, and called for state sovereignty to be respected.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said on Saturday that the Middle East is facing “deliberate attempts” to reshape its map under extremist ideological pretexts, and warned of mounting instability across the region.
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The remarks come amid heightened regional tensions linked to the ongoing Iran war and its wider regional impact.
Speaking during a televised address marking Sinai Liberation Day, he stressed the need to respect state sovereignty and territorial integrity, and said he rejected efforts to fragment countries or seize their resources.
He said political solutions and negotiations remain the only path to stability, and urged cooperation and reconstruction instead of continued conflict.
Iran tensions and Gulf security
A day earlier in the Cypriot capital Nicosia during a consultative meeting between Arab and EU leaders focused on the impact of the Iran war, el-Sisi said any potential deal with Iran must take into account the security concerns of Gulf states.
He said recent developments carry serious implications for regional stability, maritime navigation and the global economy, particularly energy supplies and supply chains.
Egypt, he added, rejects attacks on Arab countries and supports efforts to contain escalation, stressing that a political path remains the only viable way forward.
Gaza ceasefire violations
In his televised remarks, el-Sisi also called for the full implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, including unhindered humanitarian aid and the immediate start of reconstruction.
He reiterated Egypt’s rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians and called for an end to repeated attacks in the occupied West Bank.
Qatari officials also called for the full opening of crossings to allow the flow of humanitarian aid and civilian movement, warning of serious humanitarian consequences if access remains restricted.
Qatar has voiced concern over Israeli ceasefire violations and restrictions on humanitarian aid, warning that such obstacles hinder the next phase of the agreement and undermine prospects for progress.
