The US State Department announced on Thursday that it has waived human rights conditions for more than $300 million in military aid to Egypt. This decision was made in light of Egypt's "helpful role" since the launch of the US war with Iran. Egypt has been a significant recipient of US military aid since the late 1980s, receiving around $1.3 billion annually.
A portion of the military aid is subject to human rights and democracy-related conditions, which can be waived on national-security grounds. The waiver was confirmed by the State Department and applies to $320 million in FY 2025 Foreign Military Financing for Egypt. According to a memo justifying the decision, this portion of military aid is deemed necessary for counterterrorism, border security, or nonproliferation programs.
The decision to waive the human rights conditions was made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who cited Egypt's "helpful role" following Operation Epic Fury, the name used by the US military for the campaign against Iran launched alongside Israel in late February. The State Department memo did not elaborate on what it called Egypt's "helpful role."
The US-Egypt relationship has been strained in the past due to Egypt's human rights record. Under former US President Joe Biden, the US withheld portions of the annual military allocation multiple times over Egypt's human-rights record. However, in 2024, the Biden administration overrode the human rights conditions and granted the full $1.3 billion allocation to Egypt for the first time in his administration.
Egypt's economy has been impacted by the spillover from the Iran war, with surging fuel prices and other disruptions. The country has played a central role in ceasefire negotiations over conflicts in Gaza, including a truce deal agreed in October 2025. However, rights groups have long accused Egypt of widespread human rights abuses under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, including torture and enforced disappearances.
This week, Egyptian police arrested six journalists from a fact-checking and investigative media outlet, accusing them of spreading misinformation on behalf of the banned Muslim Brotherhood, which the publication denied. Egyptian authorities say they have taken steps to address rights, with President Sisi stating that stability is paramount and the government is promoting rights by trying to provide for basic needs.
The waiver determination recognizes the importance of maintaining security cooperation with Egypt at a time of significant regional security challenges. The US continues to engage with the Egyptian government on a range of issues, according to a State Department spokesman. Egypt's Foreign Ministry had no immediate comment on the decision.
Key points
- The US has waived human rights conditions on over $300 million in military aid to Egypt.
- The decision was made in light of Egypt's "helpful role" since the launch of the US war with Iran.
- The waiver applies to $320 million in FY 2025 Foreign Military Financing for Egypt.
