Egypt has once again hinted at the possibility of military action against Ethiopia over its activities surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), describing water security as an existential issue that allows for no compromise.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty addressed growing public concern over the safety and management of the dam, stressing that Cairo has made its position “abundantly clear” and that negotiations lasting nearly 15 years have reached a dead end “without any benefit.”

In a television interview on Egypt’s MBC network, Abdel Aaty emphasized that water security is a cornerstone of Egypt’s national security and said Egypt will not accept any infringement on its historic rights to Nile waters. He confirmed that Egypt reserves the full right to use all available means, in accordance with international law, to defend its vital water interests if they are harmed.