US approves release of $320 million in Egypt military aid

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has waived a restriction on $320 million in US military financing for Egypt, allowing aid previously withheld over human rights concerns to be released, the State Department said on Thursday. The department said Rubio approved the waiver in the interest of US national security. It cited Egypt’s security cooperation with the United States and what it described as Cairo’s helpful role in the conflict involving Iran.

In a letter to lawmakers, Rubio specifically referred to Egypt’s role in efforts connected to the war with Iran. The department said Egypt had also been a key mediator in US-Iran efforts to wind down the conflict, which it described as having lasted more than seven months. The $320 million is part of the annual $1.3 billion in US economic and military assistance to Egypt.

The military portion is foreign military financing, which allows recipient countries to purchase weapons produced in the United States. Congress imposed the restriction because of concerns about Egypt’s human rights record. The State Department has previously cited reports involving torture, arbitrary detention, child labour and limits on freedom of expression.

Despite those concerns, waivers for Egypt have become routine under both Republican and Democratic administrations, according to the supplied report. The Biden administration issued the previous waiver in September 2024, citing Egypt’s assistance in US efforts to end the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The State Department said the Trump administration would continue raising human rights issues in discussions with Egypt as part of the broader bilateral relationship.

It said the latest decision reflected the importance of maintaining security cooperation with Egypt amid regional security challenges. The supplied material did not state when the funds would be transferred or identify any additional conditions attached to the waiver.