Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan continue mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran
via Egypt Today2 min read
Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan are continuing their mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, aiming to bridge remaining differences and achieve a comprehensive agreement to end the ongoing conflict. According to Axios, all parties believe a full agreement is still possible, with mediators hoping to facilitate another round of negotiations before the current ceasefire expires on April 21. President Trump is reportedly considering resuming strikes if a U.S. naval blockade fails to compel Iran to change its course. The foreign ministers of Egypt and Turkey held separate phone calls with their Pakistani counterpart before engaging with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. These three nations previously spearheaded mediation efforts that led to a two-week ceasefire. While U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff initially rejected Iran's proposal, Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey intervened to draft revisions, leading to the acceptance of a revised ceasefire proposal. Axios highlighted Egypt's significant role in securing the ceasefire, noting its diplomatic influence in Iran and Gaza, with Pakistan leading the broader mediation and Turkey offering additional support. Bloomberg also reported intensified diplomatic efforts by Egypt and Pakistan, including high-level contacts, just hours before President Trump's deadline for escalating the conflict.
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Egypt's Ministry of Health announced on Friday that there are no confirmed hantavirus cases in the country, emphasizing continuous epidemiological surveillance in coordination with national and international authorities. The ministry stated that Egypt's health situation remains "stable and fully safe." This statement follows a World Health Organization WHO report of two laboratory-confirmed and five suspected hantavirus cases, including three deaths, on the Dutch-flagged MV Hondiu cruise ship, which had sailed from Argentina and Cape Verde. Hantavirus infection, primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodent excretions, is rare but can be severe and fatal. While human-to-human transmission is limited, it has been observed with the Andes virus. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome HPS has a mortality rate of up to 38% among patients with respiratory symptoms. The Egyptian ministry is monitoring media reports but reassures citizens that the "current situation does not warrant concern." Egypt's epidemiological surveillance system operates efficiently at all entry points, and the ministry is coordinating with WHO and other international bodies to ensure a rapid response to any developments, prioritizing public health with transparency and professionalism.
BreakingUS President Donald Trump announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, scheduled from May 9 to May 11, which will also include a significant prisoner exchange. The agreement, revealed by Trump on his Truth Social platform, entails a "suspension of all kinetic activity" and the exchange of 1,000 prisoners from each side. President Trump stated he personally requested the ceasefire and expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for their agreement. He hopes this marks "the beginning of the end of a very long, deadly, and hard fought war," adding that ongoing talks are bringing them closer to resolving what he described as the largest conflict since World War II.
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