Sisi Meets CIA Director Ratcliffe in Cairo, Pushes for Comprehensive Deal to End Iran Crisis

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi held a previously unannounced meeting with CIA Director John Ratcliffe in Cairo on September 20, 2026, attended by Egyptian General Intelligence Service chief Hassan Rashad. The talks covered the wars in Iran, Gaza and Sudan, attacks on Gulf states, and threats to maritime security in the Red Sea. Sisi conveyed Cairo's 'full support for efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement that resolves the Iranian crisis,' stressing the importance of resolving regional crises through political and diplomatic tracks and safeguarding freedom of international navigation. Ratcliffe said the US 'is keen to continue to work and closely co-ordinate with Egypt to achieve security and stability in the Middle East.' The meeting underscored Egypt's role as a mediation channel between Washington, Tehran and Arab states, with Cairo carrying a direct economic stake given the threat rising oil prices and Red Sea disruption pose to Suez Canal revenues.