Special to WorldTribune.com

Egypt is opposed to the Iranian nuclear deal, according to a United States congressional delegation who met with Egyptian and Israeli officials on Aug 10.

Cairo’s opposition would contradict a statement last week by U.S. President Barack Obama, who said that “every nation in the world that has commented publicly – with the exception of the Israeli government – has expressed support.”

The visit by the congressmen was arranged by the Israel Allied Foundation, which is the only pro-Israel group that takes members of Congress to Egypt. The Foundation says it does so because it wants the lawmakers to understand the new geopolitical shifts that are taking shape in the region, particularly when it comes to opposition to the Iran deal.

“There may be no more critical time to come here than today with the weight of the Iran nuclear deal hanging in the balance,” said Rep. Evan Jenkins (West Virginia, Republican).

“The opportunity to meet with many leaders in Israel face to face has impressed on me even more the significance of the vote I will cast in the U.S. Congress. From my review of the specifics, I felt before I arrived that this was a bad deal. This visit has only reinforced my serious concern and objections.”

The group of U.S. congressmen met with Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon and a group of MKs from the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus. The delegation, on their visit to Egypt, met with U.S. Ambassador Stephen Beecroft, held confidential meetings with Egyptian officials and also met with Pope Tawadros II of Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox church.

All members of the delegation are opposed to the Iran deal due to what they say are the dangers it poses to the U.S. and to Israel.

“We stand with Israel against the Iranian nuclear deal because we know it represents the greatest threat to our beloved ally in this generation,” Rep. Trent Franks (Arizona Republican) said.

The congressmen were sent a clear message that “in Israel, there is no dispute between Left and Right over the Iran deal,” Israeli Minister for Social Equality Gila Gamliel said. “Everyone here feels very strongly that this agreement poses a grave danger to Israel, to the West and to the world at large.”

  Evan Jenkins, Moshe Ya’alon, Trent Franks, U.S. delegation contradicts Obama claim: Egypt also opposes Iran nuke deal, WorldTribune.com