Challenges in Iran-Egypt Relations

30 September 2011 | 19:46 Code : 16631 Middle East.

No promising prospect unless Iran changes its diplomatic attitude. Interview with Hojjatollah Joudaki.

Although in the beginning of the Egyptian revolution there were immense hopes to improve the Iran-Egypt relations, months after the uprising and resignation of Mubarak, structural impediments seem to linger. IRD reviews the sinuous ties of Tehran and Cairo in an interview with Hojatollah Judaki:

IRD: Which groups oppose the resumption of Iran-Egypt relations and what are their arguments?

HJ: Relations with Iran falls within the discretion of the intelligence apparatus, just as Iran were the National Security Council is in charge of relations with Egypt. The foreign apparatuses serve as interlocutors in this respect. Signals transmitted by Iran have so far failed to convince the decision-makers in Cairo to approach Iran. Some suspect that Iran follows a hidden agenda including covert support for Egyptian Shiites and so-called terrorist figures [e.g. Khalid Islambouli’s brother]. Arab states of the Persian Gulf are weary of a likely Tehran-Cairo rapprochement, trying to win out the Egyptians through economic incentives. In general, the Egyptian citizens and parties support relations with Iran, but they are not the decision-makers in this respect and their clout is limited. The Egyptian transition council has postponed the decision until the parliamentary and presidential elections.

IRD: What are the implications of the Iran-Egypt relations for Israel?

HJ: The Arab Spring has complicated the situation for Israel. Regional dictatorships sacrificed citizens’ anti-Israeli zeal for the sake of their regime’s stability. This suppressed is now released and will undermine Israel's regional power. The Arab anger against Tel Aviv is much more influential a factor than the future of Tehran-Cairo ties in my opinion. But it is crystal-clear that relations between the two countries won’t benefit Israel.

IRD: And there are GCC members with their own concerns.

HJ: In general, Persian Gulf Cooperation Council members prefer to conserve the status quo and contain cultural, political, etc. changes. They tried to exempt Mubarak from prosecution to maintain Egypt’s stability. GCC members are worried about the security implication of close Tehran-Cairo ties. With their financial aids to Egypt, they are actually trying to bribe the country to stay away from Iran. Fear about spreading Shiism in Sunni-dominated Arab states also exists. Our behavior also reinforces such mentalities. Radical Shi’a satellite channels or publication of anti-Sunni books will not help improve relations.

IRD: Do you see the prospect of a power triangle consisting of Iran, Turkey and Egypt directing regional developments?

HJ: The Muslim World would achieve enormous power if there was a chance for formation of such a front, but regional policies are gradually distancing these countries from each other. Syria protests have created schism between Iran and Turkey.

IRD: Are there any other factors which may contribute to reconciliation?

HJ: To amend its relation with the Arab countries, Iran should be the symbol of Islamic unity. This will marginalize extremist groups like Wahhabis. It should also prevent radical Shiite groups to broadcast their extremist propagandas. To take the first step in improving ties with Egypt, Iran could begin with changing the name of Khalid Islambouli Street to something like the al-Azhar University. Iran could have sent an official delegation to Egypt to congratulate the revolution’s victory. Iran's general approach should be détente and reducing the number of its enemies in its periphery. If not, a rapprochement is unlikely.