Special sources informed "Al Arabiya" and "Al Hadath" on Wednesday that Cairo is hesitant to normalize relations with Iran due to its interventions in the region. They noted that "Egypt closely monitors Iranian activities in African countries and is conducting ongoing security assessments of these activities." The sources added that Iran is seeking to establish communication channels with Egypt, starting with security coordination, and has requested meetings with Egyptian officials through secret messages via intermediaries.
According to the sources, Egypt relayed messages to Iran rejecting Iranian-aligned militias in Iraq and warned of consequences for any threats to the security of the Red Sea. Egypt has conditioned the normalization of relations with Iran on a cessation of Iranian interference in Arab countries; however, the sources confirmed that there are no signs of a return to relations between Egypt and Iran, while statements from Iranian officials are being evaluated.
The sources indicated that Iranian intrusions in Arab countries are regularly assessed and explored by Cairo. They stated that Cairo wishes to de-escalate tensions in the region but will not do so through rapprochement with Iran. They added that Cairo had previously sent warnings to Tehran regarding any disturbances in the Red Sea or any impacts on Egypt's national security through Bab el Mandeb.
Sources from "Al Arabiya" and "Al Hadath" emphasized that any security coordination with Tehran would be within the framework of joint Arab security coordination and in consultation with Arab partners. They added that communications with Tehran have been frozen since the departure of the Muslim Brotherhood, and interactions at that time were with elements from the advisory team of the ousted president (Mohamed Morsi) rather than state institutions.
