U.S. Offers to Resume Talks on Nile Dam

— President Donald Trump has proposed that the United States resume and lead negotiations between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Nile River and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), warning that the dispute could escalate into military conflict.

In a letter dated January 16, 2026, to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el‑Sisi, Trump said resolving tensions over the GERD is a “top priority” and tied the effort to a broader plan to bring “lasting peace” to the Middle East and Africa.

Trump wrote that he is “ready to begin negotiations led by the United States to resolve the Nile water issue once and for all,” and emphasized that his team understands the “profound importance” of the Nile to Egypt and its people.

The president said Washington’s position is that no country in the region should “unilaterally control the precious resources of the Nile, and disadvantage its neighbors in the process ” and he stressed that any agreement must safeguard the long‑term water needs of Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia.

According to the letter, Trump believes a deal can be reached through technical expertise, fair and transparent negotiations, and a U.S. role in monitoring and coordination. “Such an agreement would ensure reliable water flows to Egypt and Sudan during droughts, and would allow Ethiopia to generate significant amounts of electricity and sell some of its power to Egypt or Sudan,” he wrote.

Trump also expressed concern that the dispute could lead to open conflict. “I very much hope that the disagreement over the Renaissance Dam does not lead to a major military conflict between Ethiopia and Egypt,” he said.

Copies of the letter were also sent to Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ethiopian President Taye Askeslasie and Sudan’s Sovereign Transitional Council Chairman General Abdel Fattah Al‑Burhan.