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 Cairo's "helpful role" since the launch of the US war with Iran. The waiver was confirmed by the State Department and is part of the Foreign Military Financing for Egypt in the 2025 fiscal year.
Egypt has been a significant recipient of US military aid since the late 1980s, receiving about $1.3 billion annually. A portion of this aid is subject to human rights and democracy-related conditions, which can be waived on national-security grounds. The withholding of funds has caused friction between Cairo and Washington in the past, including under former US President Joe Biden.
The waiver was justified by the need for the aid in counterterrorism, border security, or nonproliferation programs, or for other national security interests of the United States. According to a memo dated September 4, exercising this waiver authority is essential for the US-Egypt relationship and US national security priorities, particularly in light of Egypt's role following Operation Epic Fury, the US military campaign against Iran launched in late February.
The State Department's annual determination on Egypt's military aid typically deals with funds appropriated the previous fiscal year, which ends on September 30. A State Department spokesman said that the waiver was made in the interest of US security and that the US continues to engage with the Egyptian government on a range of issues.
The spillover from the Iran war has imposed a high cost on US security partners, including Egypt, which has seen its economy tested by surging fuel prices and other disruptions. Egypt's economy has been strained, and the country has played a central role in ceasefire negotiations over conflicts in Gaza, including a truce deal agreed in October 2025.
Human 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.
The US decision to waive human rights conditions on Egypt's military aid has raised concerns about the prioritization of national security interests over human rights. The Egyptian government has said it has taken steps to address rights, and Sisi has emphasized the importance of stability and providing for basic needs.
Key points
- The US has waived human rights conditions on over $300 million in military aid to Egypt.
- The waiver was made due to Egypt's "helpful role" since the launch of the US war with Iran.
- The decision has raised concerns about the prioritization of national security interests over human rights.
