US President Donald Trump on Tuesday described his phone conversation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as positive, discussing key issues including the Gaza conflict and US military operations in Yemen.
“My telephone call with President El-Sisi, of Egypt, went very well,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
He stated that the two leaders talked about the “tremendous military progress” made by the United States in its strikes against Yemen’s Huthi rebels, who have been attacking Red Sea shipping in solidarity with Palestinians. Trump also mentioned discussions on Gaza and military preparedness but did not elaborate further.
In February, Trump sparked controversy by proposing the mass displacement of Gaza’s population, an idea welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, Egypt, which shares a border with Gaza, opposed the plan and instead proposed a reconstruction initiative for the war-torn territory. The US State Department later dismissed Egypt’s proposal, stating it did not align with Washington’s expectations.
Trump has maintained a close relationship with Sisi, reportedly referring to him as “my favorite dictator” during a 2019 meeting. Egypt, a key US ally, has been one of the largest recipients of American military aid since signing a peace treaty with Israel.
Despite widespread human rights concerns—including allegations of mass detentions under Sisi’s rule—Washington continues to provide over $1 billion in annual military assistance to Cairo. Trump notably exempted Egypt from broader US aid cuts, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations.
