The United States has approved the release of $320 million in military aid to Egypt after waiving human rights conditions attached to the funding, citing national security interests and Egypt’s role during the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio approved the waiver, allowing the funds to be released as part of the annual US military assistance provided to Egypt.
The $320 million forms part of the approximately $1.3 billion in annual US military assistance Egypt has received for decades. The funding is provided through Foreign Military Financing, which enables recipient countries to purchase US-made military equipment.
US CITES EGYPT’S SECURITY ROLE
According to a US State Department memo, the waiver was considered necessary for American national security interests, particularly because of Egypt’s role amid heightened regional tensions.
The memo specifically referred to Egypt’s “helpful role” following Operation Epic Fury, the name used by the US military for its campaign against Iran. The document did not provide detailed information about the specific assistance Egypt provided.
The State Department said the decision reflected the importance of maintaining security cooperation with Egypt at a time of significant regional challenges.
Egypt has remained an important US security partner in the Middle East and has also played a role in diplomatic efforts surrounding regional conflicts.
HUMAN RIGHTS CONDITIONS WAIVED
The military assistance had been subject to conditions imposed by the US Congress over concerns about Egypt’s human rights record.
Previous US administrations have withheld portions of Egypt’s military assistance because of those concerns, although waivers have also been granted when American administrations determined that releasing the funds was in the national security interest of the United States.
The latest waiver means the $320 million previously subject to the human rights certification requirement can now be released.
The State Department, however, said the United States would continue to raise human rights issues with the Egyptian government as part of its broader bilateral relationship.
EGYPT’S LONG-STANDING US MILITARY SUPPORT
Egypt has received substantial US military assistance since signing its peace treaty with Israel in 1979. According to Reuters, American military aid to Egypt has averaged about $1.3 billion annually since the late 1980s.
The assistance has supported Egypt’s acquisition of American military equipment, while the broader security relationship has included cooperation on counterterrorism, border security and regional stability.
The US has previously linked portions of Egypt’s military assistance to improvements in human rights and democratic governance.
In 2024, the Biden administration also waived human rights-related conditions on Egypt’s military assistance, citing Cairo’s role in efforts to address the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
REGIONAL SECURITY CONTEXT
The latest decision comes amid continued instability across the Middle East and the wider strategic importance of Egypt to US security interests.
The Egyptian government has also faced economic pressure linked to disruptions arising from the conflict, including higher fuel costs and other effects on the economy.
The decision to release the $320 million therefore highlights the continued importance Washington places on its security relationship with Cairo, even as human rights concerns remain part of the bilateral relationship.
Egypt is currently ranked first among African countries in Global Firepower’s 2026 conventional military-strength assessment, ahead of Algeria, Nigeria and South Africa.
The newly released funds are expected to further support Egypt’s access to US military equipment under the Foreign Military Financing programme.
