Iran-Morocco Rapprochement: A Regional Power Play
Iran is working to reestablish ties with Morocco, disrupted in 2018, amid concerns from Algeria about losing influence. The dynamics involve Saudi Arabia facilitating the rapprochement and fears regarding Iranian support for the Polisario Front. Morocco remains cautious due to past interference, as regional geopolitics become increasingly complex.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
Iran's Diplomatic Overtures to Morocco: A Delicate Balance
In recent months, Iran has been attempting to reestablish relations with Morocco, which were severed in 2018 under the influence of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This development has sparked a flurry of diplomatic activity, with a second meeting scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia.
Table: Key Players in the Iran-Morocco Rapprochement
Country
Role
Iran
Seeking to reestablish relations with Morocco
Morocco
Cautiously engaging with Iran, seeking guarantees
Algeria
Opposing the rapprochement, fearing loss of influence
Saudi Arabia
Facilitating the rapprochement, seeking to reduce Iran's isolation
United Arab Emirates
Supporting Saudi Arabia's efforts
Algeria's Concerns: A Threat to Its Influence
Algeria is deeply concerned about the potential consequences of an Iran-Morocco rapprochement. The country sees Iran as a crucial ally in its dispute with Morocco over the Western Sahara, and fears that a normalization of relations between Iran and Morocco could undermine its own position.
List: Algeria's Concerns
- Loss of Influence: Algeria fears that an Iran-Morocco rapprochement could reduce its influence in the region.
- Polisario's Future: Algeria is concerned that Iran may reevaluate its support for the Polisario Front, a Sahrawi nationalist movement.
- Hezbollah's Role: Algeria is worried about the potential implications of an Iran-Morocco rapprochement on Hezbollah's activities in the region.
Morocco's Vigilance: A Lesson from Past Experience
Morocco remains cautious in its dealings with Iran, having previously been affected by Iranian interference, including military support for the Polisario Front. Rabat is seeking concrete guarantees before normalizing relations with Tehran.
Iran's Dilemma: A Choice Between Algeria and Morocco
Iran is faced with a difficult decision: maintain its ties with a declining Algerian regime or respond to Saudi Arabia's calls for a reconciliation with Morocco. However, Morocco is aware of the stakes and will not permit any dilatory maneuvers.
Conclusion
The Iran-Morocco rapprochement highlights the complex geopolitics of the Maghreb and Middle East regions. As Iran seeks to diversify its alliances, Algeria is desperately trying to maintain its influence, which is slowly slipping away. The question of the Western Sahara remains at the center of regional dynamics, with the Polisario Front's future hanging in the balance.
