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

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has waived a restriction on $320 million (€284.4 million) in military aid to Egypt that had been previously withheld over human rights concerns, citing Cairo’s help in dealing with Iran since the conflict began earlier this year.

The US State Department said on Thursday that Rubio had signed off on the waiver “in the interest of US national security.”

"The Secretary’s determination reflects the importance of Egypt to US national security interests, and the concrete security cooperation Egypt provides to the United States,” the department said.

In a letter sent to lawmakers, Rubio cited, in particular, Egypt’s “helpful role” in the war with Iran. Egypt has been a key mediator between the US and Iran in the efforts to wind down the more than seven-month-long conflict.

The State Department maintained that the Trump administration would continue to raise human rights matters as part of its dialogue with Egypt “on the full range of issues in our bilateral relationship.”

“The waiver determination recognises the importance of maintaining security cooperation with Egypt at a time of significant regional security challenges,” the department said.

The $320 million is part of an annual US contribution of $1.3 billion (€1.16 billion) in economic and military assistance to Egypt. More specifically, it is for foreign military financing, which provides money for recipient nations to purchase US-produced weaponry.

Congress inserted the requirement over concerns about Egypt’s human rights record, which many experts regard as problematic. The State Department itself in recent years has pointed to credible reports of torture, arbitrary arrest, child labour and severe restrictions on freedom of expression.

But granting a waiver to Egypt has become routine for both Republican and Democratic administrations. The Biden administration, for example, last issued a waiver in September 2024, citing Egypt’s assistance in US efforts to bring an end to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.