The United States has waived human rights conditions on military assistance to Egypt valued at more than $300 million, according to a letter to American lawmakers reviewed by Reuters.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio decided to exempt $320 million in foreign military financing for Egypt in fiscal year 2025 from certification requirements related to human rights, the letter dated September 21 stated. The State Department in Washington confirmed the decision.
In an accompanying memorandum justifying the exemption, officials said the waiver was essential to U.S. national security interests, particularly given what they described as Egypt's "helpful role" following the commencement of joint U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran. The memorandum did not specify the nature of Egypt's role.
A State Department spokesman said the decision reflected the importance of security cooperation during a period of significant regional challenges.
Egypt has received substantial American military support since signing a peace treaty with Israel in 1979. The country has received approximately $1.3 billion annually in U.S. military assistance since the late 1980s. Portions of this aid have been subject to conditions tied to human rights and democracy, though exemptions are permitted for reasons of national security.
Previous administrations have withheld funds, including during the tenure of former President Joe Biden, which created tension between Cairo and Washington. The current waiver applies to military programs addressing counterterrorism, border security, and weapons nonproliferation, according to the memorandum signed by Rubio on September 4.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry has not issued a statement regarding the decision.