Rubio waives human rights restrictions on $320m military aid to Egypt

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

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

“The Secretary’s determination reflects the importance of Egypt to U.S. 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 Egypt’s “helpful role” in the war with Iran. Egypt has been a key mediator between the US and Iran in 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 in economic and military assistance to Egypt. 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, with the State Department itself having pointed in recent years to reports of torture, arbitrary arrest, child labour and restrictions on expression.

However, granting a waiver to Egypt has become routine for both Republican and Democratic administrations. The Biden administration 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.

Credit: NBC News