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The United States has waived human rights conditions tied to $320 million in military aid for Egypt, citing Cairo’s national security importance and its “helpful role” following the launch of the US-led military campaign against Iran.
According to a September 21 letter to congressional committees obtained by Reuters, Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined that certification requirements covering $320 million in fiscal 2025 Foreign Military Financing for Egypt should be waived.
An accompanying State Department memo said the funding was necessary for counterterrorism, border security, nonproliferation programs or broader US national security interests. The September 4 memo, signed by Rubio, specifically cited Egypt’s role following Operation Epic Fury, the US military campaign against Iran launched alongside Israel in late February. It did not provide details about Cairo’s assistance.
Egypt has been a major recipient of US military assistance since signing its 1979 peace treaty with Israel. Washington has provided Cairo with roughly $1.3 billion annually in military aid since the late 1980s. Portions of that funding have historically been conditioned on improvements in human rights and democratic governance, although US officials can issue waivers for national security reasons.
The decision comes as the Iran war places additional economic pressure on Egypt and other US regional partners. Higher fuel prices and wider disruptions have added to challenges facing the Egyptian economy.
Washington has previously withheld military assistance over Egypt’s human rights record. Following the military removal of President Mohamed Mursi in 2013, the US temporarily held back weapons and hundreds of millions of dollars in assistance. The Biden administration also withheld portions of aid several times.
However, in 2024, amid the Gaza war, the Biden administration granted Egypt the full $1.3 billion military allocation despite human rights concerns.
Human rights organizations continue to accuse President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s government of abuses including torture and enforced disappearances. Egyptian authorities say they have taken steps to improve rights conditions, while Sisi has argued that maintaining stability and meeting citizens’ basic needs remain government priorities.
