US Waives Rights Conditions on $320 Million in Egypt Aid

The United States waived human-rights certification requirements on $320 million in fiscal 2025 military financing for Egypt, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio citing the country’s “helpful role” following the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran. The decision is set out in a September 21 letter to congressional committees and a September 4 memorandum. The financing is Foreign Military Financing, which generally supports purchases of U.S.-made weapons. The $320 million is part of approximately $1.3 billion in annual U.S. military assistance to Egypt. The waiver removes a requirement to certify progress on human rights for this portion of the funding; the documents do not say that the money has been spent or identify any weapons purchases. The memorandum describes the waiver as important to U.S. national security priorities and the U.S.-Egypt relationship. It cites Egypt’s role after Operation Epic Fury, the name used for the campaign against Iran launched by the United States alongside Israel in late February 2026. But the memorandum does not explain what Egypt did. The stated rationale is therefore clear, while the specific actions behind it remain unspecified.