EGOwnership & classification
Founded: 2009
Ownership
Egypt Independent began in 2009 as the English-language edition of the privately owned daily Al-Masry Al-Youm and launched its own print weekly in 2011 before the print operation was shut down in 2013, after which it continues as a website. It is published by the Al-Masry Media Corporation / Al-Masry Establishment for Press, Printing and Publishing, founded in 2004 by businessman Salah Diab and Hisham Kassem. The parent company's board has included prominent Egyptian businessmen, notably billionaire Naguib Sawiris (founder of Orascom/Mobinil), who held shares before exiting in the mid-2010s.
Funding
Financed commercially through advertising and circulation revenue of the Al-Masry Al-Youm group, backed by its private business owners; it receives no state budget.
Affiliation & stance
Privately and commercially owned, controlled by Egyptian businessmen rather than the state or a party, which is why it is classed INDEPENDENT and is regarded as relatively less government-controlled than Egypt's state press. Its English-language editorial line is broadly centrist/liberal, though it operates within Egypt's restrictive media environment.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 320
81/100
Factual
76/100
Objective
364
Articles
356
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Russia likely to mobilize at least 300,000 more troops to Ukraine war, Zelensky warns
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia is likely to mobilize an additional 300,000 troops later this year, citing significant Russian troop losses and upcoming parliamentary elections as factors. Zelensky claimed Russia has lost 267,000 personnel since the start of the year, with 155,000 confirmed deaths, aligning with Western estimates. He predicted that the mobilization would focus on eastern Ukraine, particularly the Donetsk region, where Ukrainian forces currently hold 20% of the area. Zelensky expressed confidence that the new troops would be 'wiped out' during the campaign. The warning comes amid concerns over dwindling U.S. support for air defense systems like the Patriot missile system, with Zelensky noting a decline in supply numbers and urging potential U.S. assistance. He also highlighted challenges in obtaining European-supplied Aster missiles, despite pledges from leaders like Emmanuel Macron.
A closer look at the Strait of Hormuz after Iran issues new threat
The article discusses Iran's threat to block oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz in response to potential U.S.-led economic sanctions. It notes that the strait, controlled by Iran, is a crucial passage for global oil and LNG trade, with around 20% of daily oil production passing through it. The strait has been a point of tension since February 28, when Iran closed it after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. While some countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have found alternative shipping routes, the situation remains volatile.
Top security official’s comments are a fresh sign of Iran’s readiness to go on the offense
General Mohsen Rezaei, a high-ranking Iranian military commander and advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, asserted that the United States' economic pressures would fail, signaling Iran's continued resistance despite worsening economic conditions. His remarks highlight the influence of hardline factions within Iran and suggest a potential shift toward a more confrontational stance. Rezaei emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz remains a strategic point of contention, with increased oil shipments through alternative routes raising concerns about Iran's leverage. His comments follow his appointment as the new security chief, marking a possible move toward a more assertive foreign policy. Rezaei also claimed that U.S. actions have prompted other nations to pursue nuclear capabilities for self-defense.
Trump’s 75-country immigrant visa ban struck down by judge
A federal judge in New York struck down the Trump administration's 75-country immigrant visa ban, ruling it violated U.S. law and exceeded the authority of Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The policy, which aimed to block individuals who might use public benefits, was criticized for applying blanket restrictions based on nationality rather than individual circumstances. Judge Jeannette Vargas emphasized that consular officers should assess applicants' financial status and other factors before making decisions, not rely solely on their country of origin. The decision affects permanent residency visas but does not impact nonimmigrant visas like tourist or student visas. The policy targeted countries with high rates of immigrant public assistance usage, including Jordan, Egypt, and Georgia. Plaintiffs included U.S. citizens and foreign nationals whose visa applications were affected.
262nd aid convoy enters Gaza via Rafah terminal
On August 23, 2026, the 262nd aid convoy under the 'Zad Al-Ezza: From Egypt to Gaza' humanitarian campaign entered the Gaza Strip through the Rafah land crossing towards the Karm Abu Salem crossing in southern Gaza. The convoy, which had been halted for two days during the weekend, carried essential supplies such as food, medical items, fuel, and other relief materials. The vehicles were inspected by Israeli authorities at the Karm Abu Salem crossing before proceeding into Gaza. The Egyptian Red Crescent has continued its operations along the border, supporting the logistics of aid delivery with over 75,000 volunteers contributing to these efforts.
Farida Osman wins bronze in 50m butterfly at Taranto 2026
Egyptian swimmer Farida Osman secured a bronze medal in the women’s 50m butterfly event at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games, finishing in 26.32 seconds. This marks Egypt’s second medal of the Games. Earlier, Abdelrahman Sameh won gold in the men’s 50m butterfly with a time of 23.18 seconds, setting a new competition record. The 20th Mediterranean Games are taking place in Taranto, Italy, featuring over 3,800 athletes from 26 nations. Egypt is participating in 23 sports and aims to maintain its historical position as the sixth country with the most total medals in Mediterranean Games history.
Egyptian FM, Palestinian VP urge preserving territorial unity in Gaza, West Bank
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Palestinian Vice President Hussein Al-Sheikh called for maintaining the territorial integrity of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, emphasizing the need for the Palestinian Authority to fulfill its responsibilities. The discussion took place during a phone call as part of ongoing coordination between Egypt and Palestine. Abdelatty criticized Israel's expansion of settlements, settler violence, and actions targeting East Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque, rejecting the 'E1' settlement project for threatening the West Bank's unity and isolating East Jerusalem. The conversation also addressed progress toward implementing the first phase of Donald Trump's peace plan, including facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza and allowing the Gaza administration committee to operate within the territory. Al-Sheikh acknowledged Egypt's support for the Palestinian cause and expressed commitment to continued cooperation.
In the Ukrainian attack on Belgorod killed six people, among the wounded children
On August 17, 2026, an Ukrainian missile attack struck the Russian region of Belgorod, killing six people and injuring four, including a 14-year-old child. The attack reportedly hit the village of Koloskovo in the Valuysky district, damaging a building and a vehicle. In addition, a woman was killed in another Ukrainian strike in Russia’s Astrakhan region, which targeted industrial infrastructure. According to French news agency AFP, at least 19 people were killed in mutual attacks between Ukraine and Russia over the weekend. Russia’s defense ministry described the Ukrainian strikes, some involving hundreds of drones, as the largest since the start of the year. One of the targets was a warehouse belonging to the Russian e-commerce company Wildberries, which Kyiv claims supplies parts for drones to the Russian military. Meanwhile, in southern Odessa Oblast, a Russian night attack on Izmail caused fires that have been extinguished. A civilian ship flying the flag of Tuva was damaged during the attack, leaving four people injured. Ukraine’s state energy company Naftogaz reported that Russia conducted 13 attacks on its facilities across Ukraine in the past week, targeting production and能源
Justice Department reaches $400 million settlement with TikTok over child privacy case
The U.S. Justice Department has reached a $400 million settlement with TikTok and its parent company ByteDance over violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The lawsuit, filed in 2024, alleges that TikTok failed to prevent children from joining the platform and unlawfully collected their personal data, violating COPPA requirements. The settlement includes an immediate payment of $300 million and an additional $100 million tied to a 2019 Federal Trade Commission (FTC) order related to Musical.ly, which was acquired by ByteDance in 2017. The 2024 lawsuit followed the FTC's 2019 order, which required ByteDance to implement stricter protections for children's data. TikTok previously disputed some allegations, stating they were based on outdated or incorrect information. The Justice Department noted that TikTok had since implemented measures to improve age verification and parental controls. The settlement does not determine liability, as the case remains unresolved.
Strait of Hormuz traffic this week was 20% of pre-war average, though US says “oil is flowing”
The number of ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz increased by 27% in the past week, according to data from the UK Maritime Trade Operations center (UKMTO), which recorded 103 vessels entering and 89 leaving. This represents only 20% of the pre-war seven-day average, indicating a significant reduction in maritime activity compared to before the conflict. Most vessels were flagged from Panama and Liberia, with none from the United States. Product tankers dominated the traffic, transporting refined petroleum products. The report suggests the U.S. Navy has regained influence in the region, with over 80% of liquid transit occurring through the Omani route, which Iran opposes. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that the U.S. Navy facilitated the movement of over 15 million barrels of oil and products through the strait, along with five million via pipelines.
Iran: Trump’s economic threat paves the way for “return to full-scale classic colonialism”
An article from the Egypt Independent reports that Iran has rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of an 'economic D-Day' against the country, labeling the approach as a move toward 'full-scale classic colonialism.' The article notes that Trump made these threats in a social media post on August 19, warning of severe economic consequences for nations continuing to engage in trade with Iran. In response, the Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that those ordering or implementing such sanctions would face legal repercussions, according to state media IRIB.
North Korea boosts support for Russia to include drone operators, Ukraine says
Ukrainian intelligence reports that North Korea is sending additional troops to Russia, including a drone unit capable of attacking targets within Ukraine. According to Major General Vadym Skibitskiy, these troops, which number around 8,500 and may eventually reach 50,000, are part of a broader military collaboration between North Korea and Russia, formalized by a NATO-style mutual defense pact signed two years ago. The drones, operated by experienced personnel, will be used for surveillance and attacks, raising concerns among NATO allies. While North Korea denies claims of large-scale troop deployments, Ukraine asserts that the new troops will reinforce Russian rear positions rather than engage directly on Ukrainian territory. This development highlights growing Russian reliance on external support amid resource constraints.
PM: Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere Dam project showcases Egypt’s growing soft power in Africa
Egypt's Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly highlighted the Julius Nyerere Dam and Hydroelectric Power Station in Tanzania as a symbol of Egypt's expanding influence and soft power in Africa. The project, executed by an Egyptian consortium including The Arab Contractors and Elsewedy Electric, was inaugurated with the involvement of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who provided ongoing oversight. The dam aims to address Tanzania's increasing energy demands, reduce flood risks, and support national development. Madbouly emphasized Egypt's commitment to regional cooperation and clarified that Egypt supports development in the Nile Basin while prioritizing its own interests. He also addressed previous criticisms regarding Egypt's stance on Nile Basin projects.