Are Egypt And Iran Allies

Dedric Borer 19 Jun 2025

# Are Egypt and Iran Allies? Navigating a Complex Geopolitical Landscape **The question of whether Egypt and Iran are allies is far from straightforward, unfolding within a dynamic Middle Eastern landscape where historical animosities often clash with evolving strategic imperatives.** For decades, the relationship between these two regional powerhouses has been characterized by deep-seated tension and minimal diplomatic engagement, largely stemming from the seismic shifts brought about by Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. However, recent years have witnessed a notable, albeit cautious, movement towards rapprochement, raising intriguing questions about the future alignment of forces in a region perpetually on edge. This article delves into the intricate history, present dynamics, and future prospects of the relationship between Egypt and Iran. We will explore the historical roots of their estrangement, the tentative steps towards mending ties, the significant obstacles that remain, and the broader geopolitical context that shapes their interactions. Understanding whether Egypt and Iran are allies requires a nuanced look at their past, their differing visions for regional order, and the complex diplomatic dance they must perform to navigate their respective interests without alienating key partners. --- ## Table of Contents 1. [A Legacy of Estrangement: The Historical Divide](#a-legacy-of-estrangement-the-historical-divide) * [Pre-Revolutionary Ties: A Glimmer of Amity](#pre-revolutionary-ties-a-glimmer-of-amity) * [The 1979 Rupture: A Turning Point](#the-1979-rupture-a-turning-point) 2. [The Long Thaw: Gradual Steps Towards Rapprochement](#the-long-thaw-gradual-steps-towards-rapprochement) * [Early Overtures and Symbolic Gestures](#early-overtures-and-symbolic-gestures) * [The Morsi Era and Beyond: Tentative Reconnections](#the-morsi-era-and-beyond-tentative-reconnections) 3. [The Shifting Sands of Regional Diplomacy](#the-shifting-sands-of-regional-diplomacy) * [The Gulf Influence: A Catalyst for Dialogue](#the-gulf-influence-a-catalyst-for-dialogue) 4. [Obstacles on the Path to Full Normalization](#obstacles-on-the-path-to-full-normalization) 5. [Egypt's Strategic Calculus: Why the Shift?](#egypts-strategic-calculus-why-the-shift) 6. [The Delicate Diplomatic Dance: Future Prospects](#the-delicate-diplomatic-dance-future-prospects) 7. [Beyond Alliance: Understanding the Nuance of Engagement](#beyond-alliance-understanding-the-nuance-of-engagement) 8. [Conclusion: A Cautious Path Forward](#conclusion-a-cautious-path-forward) --- ## A Legacy of Estrangement: The Historical Divide Relations between Egypt and Iran have long been a crucial factor in shaping regional alliances and alignments, reflecting differing visions and priorities for the Middle East. While today the question of "are Egypt and Iran allies" seems almost contradictory given their recent history, it's important to understand the deep roots of their estrangement. Over the last four decades, diplomatic ties between the two nations were largely severed or maintained at a minimal level, a stark contrast to earlier periods. ### Pre-Revolutionary Ties: A Glimmer of Amity Before the tumultuous events of 1979, the relationship between Egypt and Iran was, at times, amicable. In the 1930s, Egypt, then ruled by King Farouk I, maintained cordial relations with Iran, though they were not close allies in the modern sense. This historical connection was significantly boosted through a notable royal marriage: the son of Iran's Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, married Princess Fawzia Fuad of Egypt in 1939. This union symbolized a period of closer cultural and political ties between the two ancient civilizations, fostering a degree of warmth that would later dissipate. While not an alliance, it represented a period where cooperation and mutual respect were possible, laying a historical precedent for what *could* be. ### The 1979 Rupture: A Turning Point The watershed moment that irrevocably altered the trajectory of Egypt-Iran relations was the 1979 Iranian Islamic Revolution. After the revolution, the new government in Tehran displayed a profound ideological divergence from many existing Arab regimes, including Egypt. The revolution's anti-Western stance and its support for revolutionary movements across the region clashed sharply with Egypt's foreign policy, particularly its peace treaty with Israel (the Camp David Accords) signed in 1978. Egypt's decision to host the exiled Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, after his overthrow, further inflamed tensions. Cairo offered refuge to the deposed monarch, a move seen by the new Iranian revolutionary government as a direct affront. Consequently, Egypt and Iran severed diplomatic relations in 1979. Although they were partially resumed 11 years later, this severance marked the beginning of a prolonged period of diplomatic chill, transforming what was once a cordial, if not deeply allied, relationship into one defined by mutual suspicion and minimal interaction. For decades, the question of "are Egypt and Iran allies" would be met with a resounding no, underscored by a conspicuous absence of diplomatic exchanges for more than 30 years. ## The Long Thaw: Gradual Steps Towards Rapprochement Despite the long period of estrangement, the Middle East is dynamic, and geopolitical realities are constantly shifting. In recent years, a discernible, albeit slow, movement towards mending ties between Egypt and Iran has emerged. This cautious rapprochement is a testament to changing regional priorities and the recognition by both sides that sustained animosity may no longer serve their best interests. ### Early Overtures and Symbolic Gestures Even amidst the decades of diplomatic coldness, there were occasional, albeit fleeting, signs of potential thaw. The early 2010s saw some symbolic gestures that hinted at a desire for improved relations. On February 7, 2013, Iran's then-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visited Egypt, marking the first visit by an Iranian president in over 30 years. This historic visit, coming after the Egyptian revolution of 2011, was a significant moment, suggesting a willingness from both sides to explore new avenues of engagement. The warming of relations was palpable enough that Iranian tourists started flocking to Egypt in their thousands in 2013, a tangible sign of renewed, albeit limited, interaction. However, these early overtures were often fragile and susceptible to regional pressures and domestic political changes. The Morsi era in Egypt, which saw a brief improvement, was followed by another period of strained relations, demonstrating the inherent fragility of the rapprochement process. ### The Morsi Era and Beyond: Tentative Reconnections Things improved a bit under former President Mohamed Morsi, who in 2012 became the first Egyptian leader since the revolution to visit Iran. His visit to Tehran for a Non-Aligned Movement summit was a significant diplomatic event, signaling a potential shift in Egypt's foreign policy under the Muslim Brotherhood government. This period represented a peak in post-1979 efforts to bridge the divide, with hopes that the two nations could find common ground. However, Morsi's presidency was short-lived, and the subsequent political changes in Egypt led to a re-evaluation of its foreign policy, including its approach to Iran. Despite this, the groundwork laid during Morsi's tenure, however brief, demonstrated that direct engagement was possible and that both countries saw some potential benefit in reducing tensions. Today, Egypt and Iran appear to be moving toward a closer relationship and a mending of ties, encouraged by recent strides made in the normalization of relations across the region. ## The Shifting Sands of Regional Diplomacy The current push for improved relations between Egypt and Iran is not occurring in a vacuum. It is deeply intertwined with broader shifts in Middle Eastern geopolitics, particularly the evolving relationships between Iran and key Arab states. Observers around the world, on edge at the rising violence, are nervously watching as two opposing coalitions in the Middle East define a rivalry that threatens to tear the region apart. However, recent trends suggest a move away from overt confrontation towards dialogue, influencing countries like Egypt. ### The Gulf Influence: A Catalyst for Dialogue A major catalyst for the current rapprochement efforts is the restoration of ties between Cairo’s Gulf allies, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and the Islamic Republic over the past year. In recent years, Iran has made diplomatic overtures to former regional rivals, such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt, in order to improve relations. The developments in Iran's relations track closely with the Gulf Arab states, particularly Egypt's two main Gulf allies. Egypt is reportedly engaged in serious talks aimed at repairing its relationship with Iran, following this regional shift. For Cairo, the fact that its closest partners in the Persian Gulf are engaging with Tehran provides a crucial diplomatic opening and reduces the potential for friction within its own alliance network. This new regional dynamic allows Egypt greater flexibility to pursue its own interests in normalizing relations with Iran without appearing to betray its traditional allies. It underscores that the question of "are Egypt and Iran allies" is less about a direct alliance and more about a calculated realignment within a complex web of regional relationships. ## Obstacles on the Path to Full Normalization Despite the positive momentum, a full rapprochement between Egypt and Iran is not guaranteed. Their own fraught history and Egypt’s unique geopolitical considerations present significant hurdles. The path to a truly normalized relationship, let alone an alliance, is fraught with challenges that reflect deep-seated ideological differences and competing regional ambitions. One of the most significant sticking points remains Iran's regional policies, particularly its insistence on imposing its influence in Arab countries. This is explicitly highlighted by the report stating that ties between Egypt and Turkey will become warmer faster than between Iran and Egypt because of “Iran’s regional policies, and its insistence on imposing its influence in Arab countries, as well as its relations with the Houthi group, and the impact of this on the security of navigation in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.” Iran's support of the Houthis in Yemen, for instance, is regarded by Egypt as a direct threat to its allies, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and to Egypt itself. The Red Sea and the Suez Canal are vital arteries for global trade and Egyptian national security. Any instability or threat to navigation in this crucial waterway, potentially exacerbated by Houthi actions supported by Iran, is a red line for Cairo. This divergence in regional strategy, where Iran supports non-state actors that challenge the status quo, fundamentally conflicts with Egypt's interest in regional stability and the security of its maritime routes. Furthermore, while Iran's regional allies, such as Hezbollah and the PMF, face setbacks, support from Pakistan and rhetorical backing from Russia and China remain. This complex web of alliances and proxy conflicts means that Iran's actions often have ripple effects that directly concern Egypt's security interests and those of its partners. Balancing improved relations with Tehran while preserving Egypt’s longstanding alliances in the Persian Gulf requires a delicate diplomatic dance. This inherent tension means that while both sides may desire improved ties, the fundamental disagreements over regional influence and security priorities will continue to limit the extent of their cooperation, making the idea of "are Egypt and Iran allies" still a distant prospect. ## Egypt's Strategic Calculus: Why the Shift? Given the historical animosity and ongoing points of contention, one might ask: why is Egypt even considering a rapprochement with Iran? Egypt's foreign relations are extensive, influenced by factors such as population size, historical events, military strength, diplomatic expertise, and a strategic geographical position that gives Egypt extensive political influence in Africa, the Mediterranean, Southwest Asia, and within the Arab world. Its foreign policy is a complex interplay of domestic needs and regional ambitions. While some analysts attribute Egypt's realignment toward Turkey, Qatar, and Iran to a change in the foreign policies of its influential allies, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, it can be argued that Egypt's shift is primarily motivated by its domestic dynamics and its unfulfilled foreign policy objectives between 2014 and 2018. Egypt's realignment, in that sense, seeks to achieve multiple unmet goals. Firstly, diversifying its regional relationships can provide Egypt with greater strategic autonomy. Over-reliance on any single set of allies, even powerful ones like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, can limit a nation's options. By engaging with Iran, Egypt can potentially open new economic avenues, enhance its diplomatic leverage, and position itself as a more central mediator in regional disputes. Secondly, stability is a paramount concern for Cairo. Reducing tensions with Iran, a major regional player, could contribute to overall regional de-escalation, which is beneficial for Egypt's economic recovery and internal stability. A less volatile Middle East means fewer refugees, less disruption to trade routes, and a more predictable security environment. Finally, Egypt may be seeking to reassert its historical role as a leading Arab power. By engaging with Iran, Egypt could demonstrate its capacity for independent foreign policy and its willingness to engage with all regional actors, not just those aligned with its traditional bloc. This approach allows Egypt to pursue its foreign policy objectives, which may include enhancing its regional influence and addressing its own security concerns, without necessarily forming a full-fledged alliance. The question of "are Egypt and Iran allies" thus becomes less about forming a bloc and more about pragmatic engagement. ## The Delicate Diplomatic Dance: Future Prospects The current trajectory suggests that Egypt and Iran are moving towards a closer relationship and a mending of ties, but the journey is complex and requires careful navigation. In May 2023, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a meeting with Oman's Sultan that Tehran welcomes better diplomatic relations with Cairo, signaling a high-level endorsement from the Iranian side. This overture, coupled with Egypt's reported engagement in serious talks, indicates a mutual desire to overcome past grievances. The success of this dialogue hinges on both countries adopting a rational, measured approach—one that addresses mutual security concerns without alienating key regional partners. For Egypt, this means continuing to balance improved relations with Tehran while preserving its longstanding alliances in the Persian Gulf. Cairo cannot afford to jeopardize its deep economic and security ties with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which have been crucial supporters, particularly in recent years. This requires exceptional diplomatic skill to manage expectations and ensure that any rapprochement with Iran is perceived as a stabilizing factor rather than a disruptive one. For Iran, a successful rapprochement with Egypt would mean demonstrating a willingness to address Cairo's security concerns, particularly regarding regional interventions and the security of vital waterways. This might involve a more restrained approach to proxy groups and a greater emphasis on state-to-state diplomacy. The potential for economic benefits, such as increased trade and tourism (as seen briefly in 2013), could also serve as an incentive for both sides to maintain the momentum of dialogue. However, fundamental ideological differences and competing strategic interests will continue to define the limits of their cooperation. ## Beyond Alliance: Understanding the Nuance of Engagement When asking "are Egypt and Iran allies," it's crucial to understand that the current efforts are aimed at *normalizing* relations, not necessarily forging a military or strategic alliance. An alliance implies a deep level of trust, shared strategic objectives, and often, mutual defense commitments. Given their history, the ongoing regional rivalries, and Egypt's strong ties to the Gulf states and the West, a full-blown alliance between Egypt and Iran is highly improbable in the foreseeable future. Instead, what is more likely is a pragmatic engagement driven by shared interests in regional stability, economic cooperation, and perhaps, a desire to reduce the influence of external powers. Both nations are significant regional players, and their ability to engage constructively, even without being allies, could have a profound impact on the broader Middle East. This could involve: * **De-escalation:** Reducing rhetoric and avoiding actions that could escalate regional tensions. * **Diplomatic Channels:** Establishing robust diplomatic channels for communication and conflict resolution. * **Economic Cooperation:** Exploring opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment where mutual benefit exists. * **Regional Dialogue:** Participating in multilateral forums to discuss regional security and stability. This nuanced approach acknowledges the deep-seated differences while recognizing the imperative for dialogue in a volatile region. It's a recognition that even rivals can find common ground on specific issues without becoming allies. ## Conclusion: A Cautious Path Forward The question of "are Egypt and Iran allies" can be definitively answered: no, not in the traditional sense of a strategic or military alliance. Their relationship remains complex, shaped by a long history of estrangement, ideological differences, and competing regional interests. However, the current diplomatic overtures represent a significant shift from decades of minimal contact and outright hostility. Encouraged by broader regional de-escalation, particularly the rapprochement between Iran and Egypt's Gulf allies, Cairo and Tehran appear to be cautiously moving towards mending ties. This process is driven by pragmatic considerations: Egypt's desire for strategic flexibility and regional stability, and Iran's interest in breaking out of diplomatic isolation. Yet, substantial obstacles remain, notably Iran's regional policies and their implications for Egypt's security and its alliances. The path forward requires a delicate diplomatic dance, where both nations must adopt a measured approach, addressing mutual security concerns without alienating key regional partners. While a full alliance remains a distant prospect, the ongoing dialogue and the potential for normalized relations could contribute to a more stable and predictable Middle East. Observers will continue to watch closely as these two ancient civilizations navigate the complexities of their shared future, hoping that cautious engagement can pave the way for greater regional stability. What are your thoughts on the evolving relationship between Egypt and Iran? Do you believe a full alliance is possible, or is a pragmatic normalization the most realistic outcome? Share your insights in the comments below, and explore our other articles on Middle Eastern geopolitics for more in-depth analysis.