Washington Expresses Regret Over Iran-Egypt Deal

08/10/2010 Washington has expressed regret over Egypt's recent decision to renew direct flights between Cairo and Tehran, after more than 30 years.

The two nations have reportedly agreed to see 28 weekly flights between them – 14 in each direction.

"We continue to urge all countries – including Egypt – not to pursue any new business deals until Iran complies with its international obligations," State Department spokesman Mark Toner said.

"Given the current atmosphere... we're trying to discourage this kind of engagement with Iran, until it owns up to its international obligations," he stressed.

Hamid Baghaei, an Iranian vice president and the head of culture and tourism, told Tehran State Television that the agreement was "one of the most valuable economic agreements that have been signed between Iran and Egypt over the past 30 years," adding that it could be a first step toward issuing visas to Egyptian and Iranian citizens and otherwise furthering ties between the two usually states.

Egypt originally cut ties with Iran shortly after the Iranian Revolution of 1978.

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