Israel monitors Egypt’s diplomatic efforts for Iran

Several reports suggest that Egypt is trying to boost its role as a mediator in the Iran nuclear talks, indicating a strengthening of relations between the two nations, according to the Middle East Monitor on July 22nd.

The Hebrew Epoch, a publication which focuses on security issues, detailed that the Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty has been actively engaging in a number of conversations with several senior officials in Western Europe, Iran, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the US.

Recently, the Egyptian Foreign Minister has been engaging in discussions with the British Foreign Secretary, as well as a IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi.

The efforts made are a way for Cairo to revive the discussions about a nuclear deal with Tehran. The conclusion presented by the Israeli newspaper indicates that Cairo’s activities attempt to strengthen and bridge the relationship between Iran and the West as a mediator.

Meanwhile, Iran acknowledged the damage done to its nuclear power plants. According to the White House, the attacks held back Iran’s nuclear development by two years. Despite a previous clear message from the US calling for Tehran to stop its nuclear enrichment, Iran has refused to do so. However, Iran has indicated that it is willing to reopen international talks.

Egypt’s engagement comes at a time when negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme are stalled, and Iran continues its nuclear activities despite several warnings from the West. In this context, Egypt is continuously active as a regional player, effectively positioning itself to lead mediation efforts between Tehran and the West.

This diplomatic escalation to strengthen ties reflects Egypt’s broad strategy to enhance its influence in the Middle East by addressing complex regional matters. Furthermore, such actions align with Cairo’s intentions to warm relationships between Tehran, which has been seen in formal visits and renewed bilateral relations with Iran.

The success of Cairo’s mediation efforts relies on the responses from the parties it is warming up to, especially considering the tensions between Western countries and Iran. So far, no statements have been released from Egypt and Iran, concerning these ongoing developments. 

Middle East Monitor, Maghrebi.org