Rubio unblocks $320 million in military aid to Egypt that had been withheld over human rights concerns

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has waived a restriction on $320 million (€284.4 million) in military aid to Egypt that had been previously withheld over human rights concerns, citing Cairo’s help in dealing with Iran since the conflict began earlier this year. The US State Department said on Thursday that Rubio had signed off on the waiver “in the interest of US national security.” "The Secretary’s determination reflects the importance of Egypt to US national security interests, and the concrete security cooperation Egypt provides to the United States,” the department said. In a letter sent to lawmakers, Rubio cited, in particular, Egypt’s “helpful role” in the war with Iran.