The United States has waived human rights-related conditions on $320 million in military aid to Egypt, citing Cairo’s contribution to US national security interests and its “helpful role” following the launch of the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.

The US State Department confirmed the decision on Thursday after Reuters reported details of a letter sent to congressional committees. Secretary of State Marco Rubio approved the waiver for $320 million in fiscal year 2025 Foreign Military Financing for Egypt.

In a memorandum explaining the decision, the State Department said the funds were necessary for counterterrorism, border security and non-proliferation programs, or were otherwise important to US national security interests.

“Exercising this waiver authority is essential for the US-Egypt relationship and US national security priorities, particularly in light of Egypt’s helpful role following Operation Epic Fury,” Rubio wrote in the memorandum, referring to the US military’s name for its campaign against Iran, launched jointly with Israel on February 28.

The memorandum did not specify the precise nature of Egypt’s contribution. However, the Associated Press reported that Cairo had played a key mediating role in efforts to resolve the conflict between Washington and Tehran.

Egypt has been a major recipient of US military assistance since signing a peace treaty with Israel in 1979. It has received approximately $1.3 billion annually in US military aid since the late 1980s, making the security partnership a central element of Washington’s regional policy.

The waiver concerns funding that would otherwise be subject to human rights-related conditions established by Congress. Under the relevant provisions, the secretary of state can authorize the release of the money if it is deemed necessary for specified security programs or otherwise important to US national security.

The decision comes amid a long-running debate in Washington over whether military assistance to Egypt should be linked to improvements in its human rights record.

Successive US administrations have used national security waivers to release funds despite concerns over political freedoms and alleged abuses in Egypt. In 2024, the administration of former President Joe Biden also waived human rights conditions to provide Egypt with its full annual military aid allocation.

Human rights organizations have repeatedly criticized the Egyptian government under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi over allegations of arbitrary detention, torture and restrictions on freedom of expression and association.

Human Rights Watch previously argued that waiving congressional human rights conditions could weaken accountability for abuses and undermine the purpose of the restrictions imposed by US lawmakers.

The State Department, meanwhile, has maintained that Egypt remains important to US security interests and that human rights concerns will continue to be addressed through bilateral dialogue.

The latest decision underscores Washington’s effort to prioritize security cooperation with Cairo amid escalating regional tensions, while renewing questions over how the United States balances its strategic partnerships with its stated commitment to human rights. (ILKHA)