In the wake of Israel’s unprecedented military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and residential facilities of high-ranking Iranian leaders that took place on June 13, the mood on the streets of Cairo, Egypt, has been one of unease and growing anxiety. 

Egyptians in both street settings and online platforms showed strong solidarity with Iran and expressed significant frustration at Israel’s aggressive and unjustified actions. They showed strong concerns over a deepening regional crisis, which will eventually affect Egypt in one way or another.

Some Egyptians voiced solidarity with the Iranian people and warned that the escalation in the region could drag the entire already-troubled Middle East into another prolonged conflict. Others took a more sceptical tone, criticising both Israel and Iran for policies they say have long destabilised the region. 

There was also a palpable sense of fatigue and frustration with ongoing regional tensions—a common refrain among many was that ‘it’s always the ordinary people who suffer,’ regardless of which side launched the missiles.

"I don't think the Israeli attacks against Iran will bring safety to Israel. Instead, they will open another stage of hatred and revenge against Israelis in many places in the region. Extreme power does not bring security or peace," Ziyad Mahmoud, 20, a political science student, said. 

"I am not in favour of these attacks. The Middle East region will blow up.. Our country (Egypt) will be affected in many ways," Ahmed Adly, 35, a civil engineer, commented. 

"I believe the only reason the Israeli strike succeeded in hitting Iran is due to betrayal from people inside Iran," Wessam Mohamed, 43, a shop owner in downtown Cairo, commented following the Israeli attack news. 

Mervat Isamil, 62, a retired employee, said: “ I am sure that fuel and food prices will increase in the short term. All prices in the local market are expected to increase again in Egypt and the region. This is totally beyond people's capability and purchasing power.”

"I wonder how many plans Israel has in place — and how many people it has planted in Arab countries that might one day oppose it. Every country seems to have been targeted through well-organised, carefully planned operations." Karim Adel, 21, a mass communication student, said.

"The attacks will cause problems again in the Red Sea. The Suez Canal will be affected, and we will witness a shortage again in foreign currency". Hamza Adam, 33, an accountant, said.

“It’s surprising how Israel was able to locate all those commanders and eliminate them with such apparent ease!” Abu Fathi, 45, a taxi driver, said to IntelliNews in central Cairo 

Egypt officially condemned the Israeli attack on Iran, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The official position appears to be consistent with the views of most Egyptians. It is rare to find some people in Egypt who advocate such strikes, as the bulk of Egyptians see Israel as a significant threat to international and regional peace and security.