In recent decades, relations between Egypt and Iran have been marked by tension. While the two nations are part of the Middle East and share the Islamic faith, they follow different religious branches, with political and strategic interests that often diverge. Nonetheless, the two nations found common ground in the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the year-long war in Gaza has prompted them to consider restoring diplomatic ties. The Iranian President, Ebrahim Raisi, and Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met for the first time in November 2023 on the sidelines of the Arab-Islamic summit hosted by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. Since then, the two countries have been in constant contact, discussing “the situation in the Gaza Strip, and fears of escalation of regional tension,” as stated in official communications from both parties. This reconnection comes after nearly half a century of Egypt and Iran not seeing eye to eye—a conflict that began with the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The Complex Relations of Egypt and Iran During the 1970s, Iran had a close relationship with Egypt under the presidency of Anwar El-Sadat, and Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s reign in Iran. However, the 1979…
Egypt and Iran Seek Diplomatic Ground Amid Regional Tensions
October 13, 2024
By Nadine Tag
Journalist
