Trump Demands Free Passage Through Suez, Straining U.S.-Egypt Ties

Tensions are rising between Egypt and the United States after President Donald Trump called on Saturday for U.S. vessels, both military and commercial, to be able to use the Suez Canal “free of charge.”

The Suez Canal is a critical maritime trade route, seeing 30 percent of global container traffic. The remarkable feat of engineering was built by the French and financed by both the French and Egyptian governments. The U.S. is among the major users of the canal.

Backlash: It is likely Trump’s demands for free passage are related to U.S. efforts to curtail the Houthis’ attacks on ships in the Red Sea. But Egypt’s leadership sees his comment as a provocation.

• Egyptian member of Parliament Mustafa Bakri called the remark an “attempt at blackmail.”
• Alaa Mubarak, son of former President Hosni Mubarak, told President Trump, “Enough with this nonsense.”
• Other parliamentarians and government officials likewise criticized the statement.

Strained: The U.S. and Egypt have maintained ties for decades, largely because of hefty U.S. aid payments to Egypt. In return, Egypt has helped the U.S. promote security in the region, including in regard to Israel.

If the U.S. curtails aid to Egypt as part of its efforts to minimize foreign spending, or if Trump presses his bold demand about Suez passage, it could prompt Egypt to seek other partners.

President Trump is also pressuring Egypt to accept Gazan refugees in a bid for the U.S. to take control of Gaza, something Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi vigorously opposes.

King of the south: The Bible prophesies of a coming alliance of Middle Eastern nations headed by Iran, which it refers to as the “king of the south.” This prophesied alliance will include Egypt, which is why the current tensions between the U.S. and Egypt are important to watch.

To understand, read our Trends article “Why the Trumpet Watches Iran Allying With Egypt.”