WASHINGTON – Secretary of State Marco Rubio has lifted a restriction blocking $320 million in military assistance for Egypt, arguing that Cairo’s cooperation with the United States during its efforts to address the conflict with Iran outweighs ongoing human rights concerns.
The State Department said Thursday that Rubio approved the waiver “in the interest of U.S. national security.”
The department said the decision underscores Egypt’s importance to American security interests, as well as the “concrete security cooperation” Cairo provides to Washington.
In a letter to members of Congress obtained by The Associated Press, Rubio specifically pointed to Egypt’s “helpful role” in the conflict involving Iran. Egypt has served as an important intermediary between the United States and Iran as diplomatic efforts continue to bring the more than seven-month-old conflict to a close.
The State Department said the Trump administration would still address human rights concerns with Egyptian officials as part of broader discussions covering “the full range of issues in our bilateral relationship.”
According to the department, the waiver reflects the need to preserve security ties with Egypt amid serious and continuing challenges across the region.
The $320 million represents a portion of the roughly $1.3 billion in annual U.S. economic and military aid provided to Egypt. The funds are designated for foreign military financing, allowing recipient countries to buy American-made defense equipment.
Congress imposed the condition because of Egypt’s human rights record, which rights advocates and other experts have long criticized. In recent years, the State Department has cited credible allegations involving torture, arbitrary detention, child labor and limits on freedom of expression.
Even so, successive Republican and Democratic administrations have routinely granted waivers allowing the military aid to proceed.
The Biden administration issued the most recent waiver in September 2024, pointing to Egypt’s role in supporting U.S. efforts to end the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
