US and Iran near agreement to end conflict, Strait of Hormuz to reopen
via Egypt Today1 min read
US President Donald Trump announced an agreement with Iran is slated for signing on Sunday, which he stated would lead to the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for maritime traffic. However, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei indicated the signing would occur "in the coming days" but "not tomorrow." Trump described the deal on Truth Social as establishing "A WALL TO NO NUCLEAR WEAPON," asserting that Iran would not pursue nuclear weapons. He also claimed the agreement would not involve financial payments to Iran, distinguishing it from past US financial transfers under former President Barack Obama. Trump further stated that the US would "downblend and destroy" Iranian nuclear material "at the appropriate time." This diplomatic effort follows weeks of increased hostilities between Washington and Tehran. Trump had previously cancelled planned attacks on Iran, stating that discussions had reached and been approved by the highest levels of Iranian leadership. The anticipated deal is expected to extend the current ceasefire for 60 days, including in Lebanon, to facilitate nuclear negotiations.
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Egyptian authorities have uncovered the illicit use of titanium dioxide TiO₂, an additive, to whiten sugarcane juice, a popular and affordable summer drink. This practice was revealed during a routine licensing inspection in Toukh, Qalyubia, leading to the confiscation of contaminated samples by the Consumer Protection Agency. Vendors reportedly add TiO₂ to brighten the juice, which naturally darkens quickly due to oxidation, making it appear fresher. Islam El-Gazzar stated that TiO₂ is considered "very dangerous" and is banned in food manufacturing factories, with investigations showing vendors are unaware of its dangers and use it in excessive quantities, posing risks to kidney and liver functions. While Egypt does not have a blanket ban on TiO₂ in all food products, and it is used in some local sweets, the former head of the Food Safety Committee at the Veterinary Syndicate, Shereen Ali Zaki, warned that the substance accumulates in the human body and has been linked to genotoxicity in recent international studies. The Egyptian Drug Authority banned TiO₂ in nanoparticle form in May 2025 for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, but not entirely. The European Food Safety Authority banned TiO₂ as a food additive in 2021 due to genotoxicity concerns, while the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives JECFA in 2023 stated it is safe for consumption, citing no convincing evidence of DNA damage.
Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov lauded the Grand Egyptian Museum GEM during his visit to Egypt, describing it as a globally significant cultural landmark. Saidov, on the first visit by an Uzbek foreign minister to Egypt, stated that the GEM reflects Egypt's commitment to preserving and showcasing shared human heritage. He highlighted that the museum presents ancient Egypt's treasures in an exceptional setting, offering millions of visitors a chance to appreciate the values, creativity, and resilience of great civilizations. Saidov characterized Egypt as a historical beacon of knowledge, innovation, and state-building, whose contributions to civilization transcend time and geography. He emphasized Egypt's role as a meeting point for civilizations and stressed the importance of cultural heritage preservation as an investment in the future, strengthening identity and promoting mutual understanding.
Egypt's Prime Minister stated on Saturday that President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's directive to transform Egypt into a major regional hub for gas and energy trade is now being realized. Speaking at a press conference following a visit to the Idku liquefied natural gas LNG plant in Beheira governorate, the Prime Minister noted that Egypt's advanced gas infrastructure has led neighboring countries to view it as a regional center for gas exports and trade. He emphasized that the Idku LNG plant possesses infrastructure that distinguishes Egypt in the Middle East, citing LNG export facilities at both Idku and Damietta. The Prime Minister mentioned that Idku is the larger of the two facilities, with an investment value exceeding $10 billion. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to pipe Cypriot offshore gas to the Idku facility upon project completion, enabling Cypriot gas to be exported via Egypt.