U.S. President Donald Trump met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to discuss strategic ties and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam dispute.

The meeting signals a push to resolve longstanding water rights tensions on the Nile River while clarifying U.S. foreign policy regarding Iran. Because the dam affects Egypt's primary water source, U.S. mediation is critical for regional stability.

Trump expressed appreciation for the bilateral relationship between the two nations. During the talks, the leaders addressed the Nile River and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam issue, with Trump reaffirming the U.S. commitment to help resolve the dispute [1]. Trump criticized the previous U.S. administration for a lack of progress on the matter [1].

The discussion also turned to regional security and the role of Iran. Trump denied rumors that the U.S. would pay Iran $300 billion [1].

"Washington will not pay a single cent before ensuring Tehran's behavior," Trump said [1].

President el-Sisi commented on the U.S. leader's role in the region. "Trump alone can stop the Iran war," el-Sisi said [1].

The two leaders focused on strengthening strategic ties to ensure that diplomatic efforts continue to move forward in North Africa, and the Middle East [1].

“Washington will not pay a single cent before ensuring Tehran's behavior”

The meeting underscores a strategic alignment between the US and Egypt to counter Iranian influence and manage the existential threat posed to Egypt by the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. By explicitly denying the $300 billion figure, the US administration is attempting to shut down speculation regarding financial concessions to Tehran, instead tying any future engagement to verified behavioral changes by the Iranian government.