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Morocco Sets Conditions for Restoring Ties with Iran: Ending Support for Polisario Front
Morocco has signaled its willingness to restore diplomatic relations with Iran, but with a significant caveat: Tehran must cease its support for the Polisario Front, the separatist movement seeking independence for Western Sahara. This key condition, reported by Russian news agency Sputnik, highlights the central role of the Western Sahara conflict in Moroccan foreign policy and underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region.
According to sources cited by Sputnik, Oman is acting as a key mediator in the ongoing discussions between Rabat and Tehran. These talks represent a potential thaw in relations, which were severed by Morocco in 2018, accusing Iran, through its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah, of providing military training and logistical support to the Polisario Front. Iran denied these allegations at the time.
The Western Sahara dispute, a decades-long conflict, has been a major point of contention between Morocco and Algeria, which backs the Polisario Front. Morocco considers Western Sahara an integral part of its territory, a claim supported by increasing international recognition, including from the United States. The Polisario Front, however, continues to advocate for a referendum on self-determination.
For Morocco, Iran’s alleged support for the Polisario adds another layer of complexity to the conflict. By demanding an end to this support as a precondition for renewed diplomatic ties, Morocco is sending a clear message about its priorities. This move also reflects Morocco’s broader strategy of leveraging its diplomatic relationships to bolster its position on the Western Sahara issue. Recent years have seen a flurry of diplomatic activity, with several countries opening consulates in Western Sahara, further solidifying Morocco’s claim to the territory.
The involvement of Oman as a mediator is also noteworthy. Oman has a history of facilitating dialogue between countries with strained relations, and its neutral stance in regional conflicts makes it a suitable intermediary. The success of Omani mediation, however, remains to be seen, as Iran’s relationship with the Polisario Front is tied to its broader regional strategy and its complex relationship with Algeria.
The potential resumption of Moroccan-Iranian relations could have significant implications for regional stability. It could also influence the dynamics of the Western Sahara conflict, potentially reducing tensions and opening new avenues for dialogue. However, the key sticking point remains Iran’s stance on the Polisario Front. Until Tehran addresses Morocco’s concerns, a full restoration of diplomatic ties seems unlikely. The international community will be watching closely to see how these negotiations unfold and what impact they will have on the future of the Western Sahara.
Further Reading:
Front”>Polisario Front (Wikipedia)
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