In a move that seems to be tied to ongoing negotiations over Western Sahara, the conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran emerges. The United States, under President Donald Trump, has already recognized Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, supporting Rabat in this dispute. Morocco’s stance is influenced by strategic and economic partnerships with the Trump administration and Israel since the normalization of bilateral relations in 2020.
Rabat’s condemnation of Iranian missile strikes on Gulf countries without any reservations regarding the operation against Iran itself can be explained by these factors. This aligns with Morocco’s historical animosity towards the Islamic Republic, dating back to 1980 when Iran recognized the Polisario independence movement. Relations soured even more in 2018 when Morocco accused Iran of arming the Polisario. Notably, this contrasts with Morocco’s silence during the 12-day war between Israel, the US, and Iran in June 2025.
While Rabat’s official stance remains supportive of Gulf countries due to robust ties, internal voices in Morocco offer dissent. Political groups like the Justice and Development Party (PJD) and the Democratic Left Federation (FGD) have condemned the attacks on Iran. Religious figures, too, have shown solidarity with Iran, challenging Morocco’s pro-Gulf position.
The geopolitical landscape in the region is further complicated by Algeria’s diplomatic shift away from Iran. The country’s alignment with the US and Israel is seen as a strategic move to gain economic advantages, potentially leveraging its geographic proximity to Europe for oil exports.
Tunisia’s position towards Iran has evolved in recent years, with President Kais Saied moving closer to Tehran for technological cooperation. However, the country’s response to the recent conflict displays a balancing act between its historical ties with Iran and the need to align with Western powers and Gulf countries for financial support.
As these North African nations navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, their foreign policies are under scrutiny, highlighting the delicate balance between regional alliances, economic interests, and historical principles.
