logo
Sisi, Omani Sultan Discuss Efforts to Halt Escalation Btw Iran, Israel

Sisi, Omani Sultan Discuss Efforts to Halt Escalation Btw Iran, Israel

Nada Mustafa
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi held a phone call today with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Sultan of Oman.
The call focused on regional developments.
President El-Sisi stressed the importance of halting the ongoing escalation between Israel and Iran, warning of the grave consequences of an expanding conflict in the region.
He emphasized the need to return to the negotiating table to prevent further bloodshed and commended Oman's role in mediating between Iran and the United States.
In this regard, Sisi highlighted the importance of reviving and reinforcing the diplomatic track to spare the region from the devastation of war.
For his part, Sultan Haitham praised Egypt's efforts to de-escalate regional violence and affirmed Oman's commitment to joint action in this regard.
Moreover, both leaders underlined the urgency of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to alleviate the severe crisis faced by its residents due to the Israeli aggression.
They reaffirmed that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state is the fundamental guarantee for lasting stability in the Middle East.
The call also reaffirmed the deep-rooted Egyptian-Omani relations, with both leaders expressing their keenness to strengthen cooperation across various fields in line with the historic ties between the two brotherly nations.
read more
Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685
NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria
Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO
Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided
News
Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks
News
Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank
News
Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region
News
One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid
News
China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier
Sports
Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer
Lifestyle
Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt
Business
Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War
Arts & Culture
Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
News
Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
Videos & Features
Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
News
Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
Technology
50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Videos & Features
Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

US strikes Iranian nuclear sites as Tehran responds with missile barrage on Israel
US strikes Iranian nuclear sites as Tehran responds with missile barrage on Israel

Daily News Egypt

time2 hours ago

  • Daily News Egypt

US strikes Iranian nuclear sites as Tehran responds with missile barrage on Israel

The escalating confrontation between the United States and Iran reached a dangerous new phase after US President Donald Trump announced a 'highly successful' strike on three Iranian nuclear facilities—an action that analysts warn could plunge the region into a full-scale war. Speaking from the White House, Trump said the operation targeted the nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, declaring that the Fordow facility was 'finished' after a full payload of precision-guided bombs was deployed. 'Now is the time for peace,' he said, following the announcement. According to a source quoted by Reuters, Iran had preemptively moved most of its highly enriched uranium from Fordow and had reduced staff presence at the site ahead of the strike. In swift retaliation, Iran launched dozens of missiles at Israel early Sunday, in what officials are calling the most direct and dangerous confrontation yet between the two states. Israeli authorities reported at least 27 injuries, with rockets striking Tel Aviv and Haifa and causing significant damage to infrastructure and residential areas. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz praised Trump's actions, calling them a 'historic decision' and emphasizing that the targeted strikes were meant to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. 'This is a pivotal moment for regional security,' he said. In Washington, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the strikes had 'erased Iran's nuclear ambitions,' stressing that the operation was carefully designed to avoid civilian casualties. 'Any retaliation from Iran will trigger a significantly stronger response,' he warned. Vice President J.D. Vance confirmed that the Fordow facility had sustained extensive damage, calling the mission 'a major military success.' Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that 'the world is safer and more stable today,' and reiterated that the United States remains open to renewed dialogue with Iran, despite the operation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sharply condemned the strikes, calling them an 'unforgivable international crime.' He ruled out any talks with Washington 'as long as acts of aggression continue.' Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported that the Iranian parliament approved a motion to close the Strait of Hormuz, pending final approval from the country's Supreme National Security Council—a move that could disrupt global oil flows. Although the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that no radiation had been released from the targeted nuclear sites, concerns remain over potential environmental fallout should the attacks continue. In response to Iran's missile barrage, the Israeli military launched additional airstrikes on Sunday targeting drone and missile bases in Isfahan, Bushehr, Ahvaz, and, for the first time, Yazd. According to Israeli military sources, 30 fighter jets were deployed in the operation. The financial cost of the ongoing conflict is mounting. Israeli media reported that over 32,000 damage compensation claims have been filed, with the total cost of the week-long conflict estimated at 12bn shekels—including 5bn shekels allocated to missile defense systems. Calls for de-escalation continue to intensify. Egypt's Foreign Ministry urged all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire and pursue a political resolution to the crisis. Cairo also held urgent consultations with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Jordan, emphasizing the need to uphold national sovereignty and prevent a broader descent into regional chaos. France, Germany, and the European Union joined the chorus of international concern. The EU's foreign policy chief labeled the situation 'extremely dangerous' and reiterated that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons remains a global security imperative, adding that diplomacy is the only path forward. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that Iran's nuclear program poses a 'serious threat' to international security and called on Tehran to re-engage in negotiations immediately. Regional powers, including Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait, expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict and warned of catastrophic consequences for regional stability if hostilities are not curtailed. While Israeli officials publicly denied plans for further escalation, the Financial Times reported that some senior figures within the government favor halting additional operations following the US strike—though they noted that Iran's next move would likely determine the trajectory of the conflict. On the ground, Iran's judiciary announced the arrest of seven individuals on charges of espionage and terrorism amid fears of further unrest. A senior commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard vowed continued attacks on Israel, declaring that 'the Zionist entity will not enjoy peace.' In a rare statement, Yemen's Houthi movement voiced solidarity with Iran, condemning the US and Israeli strikes as 'Zionist-American aggression' and violations of international law.

Egyptian ministers visit mega date farm project to boost agricultural exports
Egyptian ministers visit mega date farm project to boost agricultural exports

Daily News Egypt

time2 hours ago

  • Daily News Egypt

Egyptian ministers visit mega date farm project to boost agricultural exports

Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, and Minister of Agriculture, Alaa Farouk, traveled to New Valley governorate to inspect progress on what is expected to become the world's largest date farm—part of a national initiative to expand agricultural exports and transform desert land into productive farmland. The visit aligns with President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi's directive to plant 2.5 million date palms in the western desert region, positioning Egypt as a global leader in date production. During the tour, both ministers planted palm trees to mark the project's advancement and reaffirm the government's commitment to agricultural development. The ministers also visited the Central Groundwater Laboratory and the Sustainable Development Center for New Valley Resources—research institutions affiliated with the irrigation and agriculture ministries. Minister Sewilam underscored the importance of equipping laboratories with state-of-the-art technology and building technical capacity to enhance groundwater monitoring and desert water resource management. Sewilam noted that the laboratory is internationally accredited through December 2025 and plays a central role in safeguarding groundwater—a vital but non-renewable resource that supports Egypt's desert farming projects. He emphasized the need for strict regulation and responsible groundwater usage to ensure long-term sustainability. Minister Farouk highlighted the Desert Research Center's work in cultivating non-traditional, drought-tolerant crops such as quinoa, panicum, and cassava—better suited to Egypt's arid climate. He also pointed to the government's unprecedented investment of more than EGP 1trn in reclaiming approximately 4 million feddans of desert land, with per-feddan development costs ranging between EGP 250,000 and EGP 300,000. Accompanied by New Valley Governor Mohamed El Zamlout, the delegation toured an exhibition featuring the center's work in seed banking, organic fertilizers, and greenhouse agriculture. Farouk called for continued technical support for local farmers and the expansion of agricultural outreach programs to raise productivity and promote sustainable practices. He added that wheat yields have improved significantly, with productivity increasing by nearly one ardeb (around 150 kg) per feddan, helping Egypt exceed last year's wheat procurement by over 500,000 tonnes. The visit reflects Egypt's broader national strategy to modernize agriculture, boost exports, and ensure long-term food security by transforming its vast desert regions into thriving agricultural zones.

MSMEDA signs EGP 30m financing agreement with ‘Flind' to support SMEs
MSMEDA signs EGP 30m financing agreement with ‘Flind' to support SMEs

Daily News Egypt

time2 hours ago

  • Daily News Egypt

MSMEDA signs EGP 30m financing agreement with ‘Flind' to support SMEs

The Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA) has signed a new EGP 30m financing agreement with Flind, a licensed digital non-bank financial institution, to expand support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Egypt. The agreement is funded by the World Bank through its Entrepreneurship Support for Job Creation project. The signing was witnessed by MSMEDA CEO Bassel Rahmy, and formalized by Osama Bakry, Head of the Central SME Financing Sector at MSMEDA, and Ahmed Zaky, Managing Director of Flind. Also in attendance were Mohamed Medhat, Deputy CEO of MSMEDA, along with senior representatives from both organizations. Rahmy emphasized that MSMEDA remains committed to increasing access to finance for SMEs in all governorates, particularly in industrial and production sectors. He noted that the agency is working to diversify financing channels—either through direct lending or via partnerships with intermediaries—to facilitate easier, broader access for business owners across the country. 'The agreement with Flind aims to support the development and expansion of existing SMEs by providing funding for growth, asset renewal, and productivity enhancement. It also helps create sustainable job opportunities, particularly for youth, women, and recent graduates,' Rahmy said. The financing package will offer loans starting at EGP 100,000 and reaching up to EGP 5m, tailored to project requirements. Flind's Managing Director Ahmed Zaky expressed his enthusiasm for partnering with MSMEDA, highlighting the importance of using advanced digital tools to deliver fast, fair, and flexible financing to SMEs. He added that Flind is the first licensed digital non-bank financial institution by the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) dedicated to SME financing. Zaky stated that Flind aims to inject EGP 1bn into the SME sector during its first year of operations, focusing primarily on short-term loans. 'Through simplified digital procedures and an inclusive financing model, we're working to close the funding gap that still limits SME growth in Egypt,' he said. This partnership marks a significant step toward digitalizing SME finance and promoting economic development through targeted support for small businesses—key drivers of employment and production in Egypt.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store