Egypt's Grand Museum opening delayed amid Israel-Iran conflict

Egypt has postponed the long-awaited opening of its Grand Egyptian Museum, originally slated for July 3, citing escalating regional tensions following Israel’s recent strikes on Iran.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced the decision on Friday during a visit to Beheira Governorate. “All indicators suggest the current conflict will persist and not end within a few days,” he said, referring to Friday’s confrontations between Israel and Iran. “This will impact the region and all anticipated events.”

He added that the prevailing regional climate does not allow Egypt to host the major event “in the meaningful and significant way we had planned.”

“We found it appropriate to postpone this major event so that it garners the global momentum it deserves,” Madbouly said. The opening is now expected to take place in the final quarter of the year, with the exact date contingent on evolving circumstances.

The Ministry of Tourism confirmed the delay in a statement, noting that it would announce the new opening date “in due course, after coordination with all relevant bodies to ensure an event befitting Egypt’s global cultural and touristic stature.”

The ministry added that the decision stemmed from Egypt’s “national responsibility and its commitment to presenting an exceptional global event worthy of its ancient civilization and unique heritage, and to ensure wide international participation.”

In the meantime, the Grand Egyptian Museum will remain open to visitors under its current soft-opening phase, the ministry said.

Israel launched attacks early Friday targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure in an attempt to thwart Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. The strikes killed several senior military leaders and nuclear scientists. Iran retaliated with six waves of missiles and drones that killed three people and wounded 172 in Israel.