CIA Chief Meets Egypt’s Sisi in Cairo

US Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo on Sunday as Washington warned of rapid escalation across the Middle East.

The rare high-level meeting, which included Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad, focused on expanding conflicts in Iran, Gaza, and Sudan, alongside rising threats to Gulf security and maritime shipping lanes.

Sisi emphasised the urgent need to resolve the regional crises through political and diplomatic channels rather than military force.

The talks followed a warning from the US State Department advising Americans against travel to the region amid surging hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

The escalating violence has already disrupted international air transit, shipping routes, and energy exports, driving global crude oil prices past $100 a barrel.

Before Ratcliffe’s arrival, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also visited Cairo to coordinate with Sisi on securing the Bab al-Mandab strait after the Houthis seized control of the Yemeni coastline.

While Washington recently rejected a Saudi request to launch direct strikes against Houthi forces, the State Department approved a $24.3 billion sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to help Riyadh bolster its defences.

As a major recipient of US military assistance and a key regional mediator, Egypt continues to leverage its diplomatic ties with Israel, Hamas, and Iran to promote stability.

Following the talks, Ratcliffe commended Cairo’s pivotal efforts to negotiate peaceful settlements across the region.