JSPES, Vol. 35, No. 1 (Spring 2010)
pp. 11-22

Egyptian-Iranian Relations: Retrospect and Prospect

Gawdat Bahgat

Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies
National Defense University
Washington, DC

Egypt and Iran are two major Middle Eastern powers. Mutual suspicion and occasionally open hostility have largely characterized the relations between the two nations. Diplomatic ties were severed shortly after the 1979 Iranian Revolution and efforts to restore them have yet to succeed. This essay examines the two nations’ stance on major issues such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and proliferation of nuclear weapons. The analysis suggests that a thaw is unlikely in the foreseeable future.