US President Trump pauses 'Project Freedom' operation in Strait of Hormuz
via Egypt Today1 min read
US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday the suspension of 'Project Freedom,' a newly launched US military operation designed to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The suspension is temporary, intended to allow for the finalization and signing of an agreement with Iran. The operation, which began on Monday, led to heightened tensions, including an exchange of fire between US and Iranian forces and Iranian missile and drone strikes on the United Arab Emirates. These attacks were the first since a ceasefire was declared in early April.
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Egypt has strongly condemned the terrorist attack at Niamey International Airport in Niger, which resulted in deaths and injuries. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry expressed full solidarity with Niger's government and people against terrorism and all forms of violence and extremism. Egypt offered condolences to the victims' families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, reaffirming its commitment to supporting Sahel countries in combating terrorism and enhancing regional security. The attack, which occurred on Friday, killed 35 people, including two assailants, 11 soldiers, and two civilians, with the al-Qaeda affiliate Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin JNIM claiming responsibility.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly witnessed the signing of a strategic agreement between Midar for Investment and Urban Development and Majid Al Futtaim Holding. This partnership aims to develop a major integrated urban destination in Mada City, New Cairo, with an initial development value exceeding $3.1 billion. The project, covering approximately 553 feddans, will create a mixed-use destination including around 6,000 residential units, business and service facilities, commercial spaces, leisure destinations, and hospitality units. The first phase will develop about 200 feddans over four years, with a second phase developing an additional 300 feddans. Approximately 60 feddans are allocated for retail, leisure, and entertainment. The overall project value is expected to exceed $4 billion upon completion. Ayman El Qousi, Managing Director and CEO of Midar, stated that the project will operate under a revenue-sharing model, with anticipated future returns to Midar exceeding LE 40 billion. Ahmed Galal Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, highlighted the partnership as a key step in the company's growth strategy in Egypt, building on its 27-year presence and approximately $2.8 billion investment in the Egyptian market.
Must ReadEgypt has called for further development of the recently signed US-Iran memorandum of understanding and for advancing negotiations towards a final agreement. This comes as American and Iranian negotiators commenced direct talks in Switzerland on Sunday. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty discussed the US-Iran negotiation track with his Turkish and Pakistani counterparts during quadrilateral talks in Cairo, which also included Saudi Arabia. Abdelatty emphasized the importance of building on the progress made since the MoU's signing to reduce regional tensions and support Middle East security and stability. He also commended Pakistan's role in securing the MoU, describing it as a crucial step towards de-escalation and a sustainable settlement. Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar acknowledged Egypt's support in the negotiation process. The US and Iranian negotiators are meeting to finalize details of their interim MoU, signed last week after nearly four months of conflict. This initial accord commits both sides to negotiating a final agreement within 60 days, including a ceasefire across all fronts, such as Lebanon, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The talks are occurring amidst questions regarding the agreement's implementation, following Iran's announcement of closing the Strait of Hormuz, a claim challenged by the US. The US delegation is led by Vice President JD Vance, while Iran is represented by Parliament Speaker Mohamma