Iran Declines Invitation to US-Egypt Co-Chaired Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh

International Summit Convenes in Sharm El-Sheikh

A significant international peace summit, co-chaired by former U.S. President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, commenced today, October 13, 2025, in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. The gathering brings together leaders and foreign ministers from over twenty nations with the stated objective of formalizing a peace deal to end the two-year conflict in the Gaza Strip and fostering regional stability.

Iran Declines Participation Despite Invitation

The United States extended an invitation to Iran to attend the summit, a move confirmed by various media outlets including Axios, Sky News Arabia, and Iranian state media. However, Iran has officially declined the invitation. Both Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed their non-attendance. Foreign Minister Araghchi stated on X that 'Neither President Pezeshkian nor I can engage with counterparts who have attacked the Iranian People and continue to threaten and sanction us,' in a clear reference to the United States. Iranian media sources, including Fars News and Tasnim, had previously indicated that Tehran's participation was unlikely, despite acknowledging receipt of the invitation.

Summit Objectives and Key Participants

According to the Egyptian presidency, the summit's primary goals are 'to end the war in the Gaza Strip, strengthen efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East, and open a new chapter of regional security and stability.' The meeting is expected to finalize an agreement aimed at ending the war and rally support for the second phase of Trump's peace plan, which includes provisions for disarming Hamas and establishing a new governing body in the Strip. President Trump, who recently declared 'the war is over' in Gaza, is expected to visit the Middle East to formalize the peace deal.

The extensive list of invited participants includes leaders or foreign ministers from countries such as:

• Germany
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Spain
• Qatar
• United Arab Emirates
• Jordan
• Turkey
• Saudi Arabia
• Pakistan
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Azerbaijan
• Armenia
• Hungary
• El Salvador
• Cyprus
• Greece
• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Canada

Notably, Israel and Hamas were not invited to the summit. While initial reports suggested the Palestinian Authority would also not be represented, PA President Mahmoud Abbas later confirmed his attendance.

Background to the Peace Initiative

The summit follows a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which includes the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction in Gaza. The peace plan also outlines a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a major internationally funded reconstruction effort.