The Israeli newspaper "Israel Hayom," close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, warned of a significant rapprochement between Egypt and Iran, as well as other Arab countries, following the death of President Ebrahim Raeesi. The Israeli publication noted that Tehran's efforts to normalize relations with Egypt and Bahrain had resurfaced. It highlighted that recently, Iranian media announced that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had been invited for an official visit to the Islamic Republic, and in recent weeks, Iran has been strengthening its relationships with Arab states.
The newspaper stated that amid the visit of Arab foreign ministers to the country, Tehran is striving to continue the wave of normalization in the Middle East, specifically with Egypt after Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. It noted that Egypt is a key player in this dynamic, citing Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry's visit to Tehran in May to participate in the mourning ceremonies for Iranian President Ebrahim Raeesi and his foreign minister, Amir Hossein Abdollahian. This marked the first visit by an Egyptian foreign minister to Iran since 1979 when relations between the two countries were severed. In early May, Shoukry met with Abdollahian in Gambia, shortly after the latter's fatal helicopter crash.
The report continued that both sides agreed during their meeting on the sidelines of the Islamic conference in Gambia to continue consultations on addressing all issues related to the future normalization of relations between Cairo and Tehran. The Israeli newspaper explained that Egypt has an interest in improving relations with Iran due to its influence over the Houthis, as Houthi attacks from Yemen harm shipping traffic in the Suez Canal, which is vital for the Egyptian economy.
The Israeli publication warned that any closeness of certain Arab countries with Tehran, particularly those deemed moderate, could allow the Iranians greater freedom of action in the region. It added that, for instance, the resumption of direct flights between Tehran and Cairo would facilitate Iranian access to a state bordering Israel, and a potential agreement to renew relations with Bahrain could allow Tehran to expand its influence in a kingdom that maintains official relations with Israel.
