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Talks between Morocco and Iran are progressing, as the Iranian regime has not dismissed Morocco’s conditions regarding its support for the Polisario. Tehran continues to support the Front's positions during the work of the United Nations Fourth Committee.
For instance, an Iranian diplomat addressed the committee last October, denouncing «global imperialism» and «reaffirming the United Nations’ responsibility toward the people of Western Sahara and their inalienable rights, as laid out in relevant UN resolutions».
Morocco is also calling for an end to all military support for the separatist movement, whether directly or through the Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah. However, it’s still too early to talk about an Iranian withdrawal or suspension of recognition of the «SADR», as Tehran must carefully weigh its relationship with its only «ally» in North Africa.
Algeria reacts to the Iran-Morocco thaw
Algeria is watching the Morocco-Iran rapprochement with growing concern. After several days of media silence, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf held a phone call with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, on Wednesday, November 20.
The discussions covered «a number of important issues regarding Algerian-Iranian relations, as well as other matters of mutual interest, particularly those related to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors and the United Nations General Assembly», according to a statement from the Algerian Foreign Ministry.
It is worth noting that Algeria had responded at the highest level following a statement in June 2023 from former Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, expressing interest in normalizing relations with Morocco—relations that have been severed since May 1, 2018.
This initiative was launched by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune after a telephone conversation with Iranian President Ebrahim Raïssi, who tragically died in a helicopter crash in May. Shortly after the call, Ahmed Attaf visited Tehran, followed by an official visit from the President of the House of Representatives, Ibrahim Boughali.
The renewed talks between Morocco and Iran come amid rising tensions in the Middle East, extending beyond Gaza. These developments follow the victory of reformist Massoud Pezechkian in the July 5 presidential elections, which could signal a shift in Iran’s foreign policy. When Hassan Rohani, also viewed as a reformer, took power in 2013, diplomatic relations between Morocco and Iran were restored in 2015, after having been severed in 2009, following a dialogue initiated in Tunisia in 2014.
Another election that could shape the future of Morocco-Iran relations will take place in the United States, with the outcome particularly significant if Donald Trump returns to the White House.
