Rubio unblocks $320 million in military aid to Egypt that had been withheld over human rights concerns

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has approved the release of $320 million (€284.4 million) in military assistance to Egypt that had been withheld over concerns about the country’s human rights record.

The US State Department said on Thursday that Rubio authorised the waiver on national security grounds, pointing to Egypt’s security cooperation with Washington and its role in efforts to address the conflict with Iran.

In a letter to lawmakers, Rubio specifically highlighted what he described as Egypt’s “helpful role” in the war with Iran. Cairo has played a key mediating role between the US and Iran as efforts continue to wind down the conflict, which has lasted more than seven months.

The State Department said the Trump administration would continue raising human rights concerns with Egyptian authorities as part of broader bilateral discussions.

The department said the waiver reflected the importance of maintaining security cooperation with Egypt amid what it described as significant regional security challenges.

$320 million tied to US weapons purchases

The $320 million forms part of the roughly $1.3 billion (€1.16 billion) in annual US economic and military assistance provided to Egypt.

The specific funding is allocated through the Foreign Military Financing programme, which enables recipient countries to purchase US-made military equipment.

Congress introduced the human rights-related restriction amid concerns over Egypt’s record. The US State Department has previously cited credible reports involving torture, arbitrary detention, child labour and severe restrictions on freedom of expression.

Despite those concerns, presidential waivers for Egypt have become a recurring practice under both Republican and Democratic administrations.

The Biden administration last issued such a waiver in September 2024, citing Egypt’s assistance to US efforts aimed at ending the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.