The political dynamics in the Middle East are undergoing a rapid transformation, with notable bilateral reconciliation and normalization processes claiming the spotlight in foreign affairs news in recent years – from Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) establishing diplomatic ties with Israel to Syria being readmitted to the Arab League. The latest potential diplomatic tectonic shift is the prospective rapprochement between Egypt and Iran, a 50-year fluctuating relationship. This was confirmed by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who publicly welcomed his willingness to resume ties with Egypt on 29 May. Egypt previously refuted the idea on 15 May according to a well-informed source who spoke to Al Ahram, maintaining its severed stance as it is despite Iran’s courting. But what would it mean to Egypt, Iran, and the Middle East if diplomatic ties are restored? The short explainer below helps shed light on what could unfold. A COMPLICATED HISTORY The historical relationship between the two states has been turbulent since the mid-twentieth century. While diplomatic ties were maintained, ideological differences often strained the two states’ relations. Tensions escalated when Egypt’s President Gamal Abdel Nasser viewed Iran’s alignment with…
Diplomatic Detente No More? Explaining Iran’s Attempts to Restore Ties with Egypt
May 31, 2023
