Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty warned October 31 that another escalation in the conflict between the United States and Iran would be more destructive, while urging a diplomatic approach to regional security.

Speaking at the IISS Manama Dialogue in Bahrain, Abdelatty said he was extremely worried about the consequences of renewed fighting, according to Reuters. His remarks were a warning about possible escalation, rather than an announcement that another round of military action had begun.

In its account of the speech, News of Bahrain reported that Abdelatty argued for moving from crisis management toward prevention. He said the Gulf’s security was inseparable from that of the wider Middle East and formed part of Egypt’s national security.

The minister set out a framework emphasizing sovereignty, non-interference and peaceful resolution of disputes. He called for the region’s own governments to shape security arrangements in partnership with international allies.

Abdelatty also advocated early-warning mechanisms and dialogue on missiles, drones and nuclear proliferation. Maritime cooperation and information sharing, he said, should help protect ports, energy facilities, waterways and undersea cables.

That focus connects the regional discussion to international trade and energy supplies. The minister described safe navigation as a shared interest and argued that major trade routes should not be subject to one country’s control.

The IISS listed Abdelatty among the speakers for Saturday’s opening plenary on the implications of regional conflict. His proposals and cautions represent Egypt’s stated diplomatic position; they do not establish a new agreement among the governments attending the summit.

Sources Reuters — October 31 Manama Remarks: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/egypt-fears-escalation-iran-war-would-be-more-destructive-foreign-minister-says-2026-10-31/ News of Bahrain — Ashen Tharaka's October 31 Manama Report: https://www.newsofbahrain.com/en/article/no-military-solution-egypt-urges-diplomacy-at-manama IISS — October 31 Manama Dialogue Agenda: https://www.iiss.org/events/manama-dialogue/manama-dialogue-2026/speaker-agenda/