Iran, Egypt and regional markets; Convergence in the light of modern developments
This article responds to the central question by analyzing the goals of Iran and Egypt: How can the two countries reinforce their interests in the region within the framework of “smart diplomacy” and “competitive cooperation”?
1. geopolitical; From the historical conflict to the overlap of interests
Iran and Egypt are active in common areas such as Iraq, Gaza and the Red Sea as two influential poles in the Middle East and North Africa. On the Palestinian issue, although Egypt is the first Arab country to come to peace with Israel, its historical role as a supporter of the Palestinian rights and mediators in Gaza ceasefires, with Iran’s approach to supporting the “resistance groups” in countering the Zionist occupation. The Iranian -Saudi agreement, which was welcomed by Egypt, has provided a new space for indirect talks on Gaza. This transformation, especially in the light of Egypt’s desire to play the role of the “middle pole” in the region’s equations, can help reduce erosion tensions between the resistance front and the Zionist regime.
The key point is the effect of “domino work” of Tehran and Riyadh on Egyptian-Iranian relations. This historic agreement not only reduces the traditional opposition of the Persian Gulf to the Cairo-Tehran stress, but also allows Egypt to establish a clever balance between traditional allies and new partners by relying on multilateral diplomacy.
recent meetings by security officials in Baghdad and Muscat, with the mediation of Iraq and Oman, indicate that even in the absence of formal diplomatic relations, there are hidden capacities to manage disputes through “indirect dialogue”. Also, recent developments in the Horn of Africa and the Bab al -Mandeb Strait, which are critical to Egypt as a gateway to the Indian Ocean, require the coordination of the two countries.
۱. Resistance economy; Crossing Sanctions to South-South Solidarity Span>
Economics is the main focus of the current stress discourse. Egypt, with a population of 5 million and the currency crisis caused by the Ukrainian war, requires diversifying business partners and reducing dependence on grain imports. Iran, with a population of 5 million and the “resistive economy” experience under sanctions, can provide a practical model for bilateral cooperation. In this regard, there are several remarkable key areas:
Suez Channel: This vital artery, which provides 2 % of Egyptian national income, can become a corridor for Iran’s trade with Africa and Europe. Cooperation in securing this route, especially against the threats of Takfiri groups in the Sinai Peninsula, requires coordination of Tehran and Cairo.
Constant Business: Use of the dollar’s alternative mechanisms, such as commodity exchange or use of national currencies; To make a significant figure. Egyptian exports of textiles and medicines to Iran against the import of petrochemical and technical products are an example of this win -win cooperation.
Religious tourism: Egypt with the sacred Shiite places, such as Malik Ashtar’s tomb in Sinai, can become a focus for Iranian religious tourism. This not only contributes to Egypt’s economic prosperity, but is a step towards the approximation of Islamic religions.
However, structural challenges, including US unilateral sanctions on Iran and Egypt’s dependence on Persian Gulf financial assistance, require creative solutions. The creation of non -religious commercial corridors by mediating countries such as Russia and China can reduce these obstacles.
۱. collective security; Red Sea as Cooperation Lab
In the field of security, the interests of the two countries in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait are significantly aligned. Egypt, concerned with the threats of the Takfiri groups on the security of the Suez Canal, can take advantage of Iran’s experiences in the fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. On the other hand, Iran can play a mediating role in controlling Gaza’s tensions, a matter for Egypt as a ceasefire goalkeeper. On the other hand, sharing a priority for the fight against ISIL and al -Qaeda can pave the way for technical dialogue between the two sides.
end; To the new regional architecture
Iran-Egypt relations are on the verge of historical transformation. Although the legacy of the four decades of ideological differences is still in place, the following factors reinforce the convergence:
1. Paradigm changes in the world order with the focus of the decline of Western hegemony and the emergence of multifaceted powers.
1. The economic necessities of global inflation and unjust sanctions that have made South -South cooperation an inevitable option.
In this case, the “competitive cooperation” model in which the two countries focus on specific areas of common interests without ignoring principles is the only realistic strategy. The revival of diplomatic relations will not be a strategic alignment, but a step towards converting destructive competitions into constructive competitions.
Hoda Yousefi; West Asian Issues Expert
