An Iranian official recently disclosed that talks between Iran and Egypt are taking place in Baghdad, a subject that had previously been discussed without official confirmation from the Iraqi side.
On Sunday, Fada Hossein Maleki, a member of the Iranian parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, stated that Baghdad is hosting Iranian-Egyptian negotiations as a preliminary step towards preparing for a meeting between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and his Iranian counterpart, Ebrahim Raisi.
In a statement quoted by Iranian news agency Tasnim, Maleki mentioned that ongoing negotiations between Iran and Egypt are taking place in Iraq.
He expressed optimism about the restoration of Iranian-Egyptian relations soon.
Furthermore, Maleki stated that the opening of embassies between the two countries will be witnessed, and subsequent preparations will be made for a meeting between the Iranian and Egyptian presidents.
Amidst growing anticipation, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia takes the center stage as it prepares to host the upcoming Arab Summit.
The significance of this summit lies in its inclusive participation of Arab nations, particularly noteworthy with the return of Syria to the fold.
Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid has received a formal invitation from Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz, inviting him to attend the 32nd regular session of the Arab Summit, scheduled to take place in the city of Jeddah.
The Iraqi Foreign Ministry, for its part, has not yet declared its position regarding Tehran’s statement about mediation with Egypt.
Reports of Iraq mediating between Cairo and Tehran are not new, but what is new is their official announcement for the first time by the Iranians.
However, according to an official source cited by Asharq Al-Awsat, there seems to be some truth to the statement made by Maleki.
The source, who requested anonymity, acknowledged that there is an ongoing communication process between Tehran and Cairo, with Baghdad playing the facilitator’s role.
This process began years ago and continues, albeit at a slow pace, the source revealed.
Other Arab countries are also looking to leverage Iraq’s strong relationship with Iran to address unresolved issues, especially in the current peaceful environment and ongoing agreements, explained the source.
Recent reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran has added further significance to these developments, they noted.
