Iran seeks diplomatic thaw with Morocco following years of tension

Recent diplomatic developments suggest Iran is pursuing rapprochement with Morocco, following years of strained relations stemming from Tehran’s alleged military ties with the Polisario Front.

The rift, which led to Morocco severing diplomatic relations in May 2018, centres on Tehran’s reported support for the Polisario Front through its Lebanese ally Hezbollah’s activities at Iran’s embassy in Algeria. Morocco considers such involvement a direct threat to its territorial sovereignty.

The potential reconciliation comes in the wake of the Saudi-Iranian détente, brokered by China. Iran’s Foreign Minister has publicly expressed support for normalising relations with Morocco, marking a shift in Tehran’s diplomatic stance.

However, experts suggest significant obstacles remain. Speaking to Hespress, international crisis management expert Al-Baraq Shadi Abdel Salam noted the fundamental differences between Moroccan and Iranian diplomatic approaches.

“Morocco’s diplomatic doctrine, rooted in international law and state sovereignty, stands at odds with Iran’s regional strategy,” said Abdel Salam. He highlighted Iran’s support of armed militias across the Middle East as a particular point of contention.

Morocco maintains that any diplomatic restoration would require Iran to cease support for the Polisario Front, which Rabat considers a “red line” in its foreign relations. The kingdom has consistently prioritised territorial integrity in its diplomatic engagements.

Prior to this development, Morocco had offered Iran multiple opportunities to recalibrate relations based on mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference principles. The recent Saudi-Iranian reconciliation, ending a seven-year diplomatic freeze, has sparked speculation about similar possibilities for Morocco-Iran relations.

However, analysts suggest that meaningful reconciliation would require more than diplomatic overtures from Tehran, emphasising the need for strategic realignment on key regional issues affecting North African stability.