CAIRO, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Egypt on Thursday warned that any attempts to obstruct maritime navigation in the Middle East could trigger widespread disruptions in global markets and serious consequences for the international economy.
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty made the remarks in a phone call with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, emphasizing the importance of securing strategic maritime straits as vital arteries for global trade and energy supplies.
The ministers also stressed the need to de-escalate regional tensions and prioritize diplomacy. Abdelatty condemned any attempts to target Türkiye or violate its sovereignty, calling on all parties to exercise restraint to prevent the region from sliding into chaos.
On Wednesday, the Turkish Defense Ministry said NATO air and missile defense units intercepted a ballistic projectile allegedly launched from Iran, tracked across Iraqi and Syrian airspace before approaching Turkish territory.
The strike followed joint U.S.-Israeli attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities on Saturday, which killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, his family members, senior Iranian commanders, and civilians. Iran has since launched missile and drone attacks across the region targeting Israeli and U.S. assets. ■
