Rubio unblocks $320 million in military aid to Egypt that had been withheld over human rights concerns
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Top US diplomat Marco Rubio signed off on the waiver but argued that Washington’s concerns over its Middle Eastern ally’s human rights record will remain a point of discussion in full bilateral discussions.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has waived a restriction on $320 million (€284.4 million) in military aid to Egypt that had been previously withheld over human rights concerns, citing Cairo’s help in dealing with Iran since the conflict began earlier this year.
The US State Department said on Thursday that Rubio had signed off on the waiver “in the interest of US national security.”
"The Secretary’s determination reflects the importance of Egypt to US national security interests, and the concrete security cooperation Egypt provides to the United States,” the department said.
In a letter sent to lawmakers, Rubio cited, in particular, Egypt’s “helpful role” in the war with Iran. Egypt has been a key mediator between the US and Iran in the efforts to wind down the more than seven-month-long conflict.
Egypt's Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly addresses the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York, Friday, Sept. 25, 2026
The State Department maintained that the Trump administration would continue to raise human rights matters as part of its dialogue with Egypt “on the full range of issues in our bilateral relationship.”
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