In a significant diplomatic development, a high-ranking Egyptian official has revealed that Egypt and Iran are on the verge of fully restoring diplomatic ties and exchanging ambassadors. Rakha Ahmad Hassan, a member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, expressed in an interview with Russia's Sputnik news agency that the exchange of ambassadors between the two nations is expected to take place in the near future.

Hassan highlighted the recent congratulatory message from Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi to his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah el-Sisi after the latter's victory in the presidential election. According to Hassan, this gesture indicates that relations between Cairo and Tehran have reached their highest level. The leaders discussed various issues, including the restoration of diplomatic ties, as well as ongoing developments in the Gaza Strip and the Red Sea, during a telephone conversation this month.

The Egyptian official pointed out that the current level of relations suggests that the exchange of ambassadors is imminent. He also referred to remarks by Oman's ruler, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, indicating regional efforts in this regard. Hassan emphasized that re-establishing diplomatic relations between Egypt and Iran will play a crucial role in resolving regional crises, especially following the recent rapprochement between Riyadh and Tehran and initiatives aimed at ending the Yemeni conflict.

Highlighting the potential positive impact of Iran's increased involvement in the Arab world, Hassan noted that it could boost trade exchange with Arab states and contribute to regional stability and progress. Egypt had severed diplomatic relations with Iran in 1980 due to Iran's support for the deposed Pahlavi ruler and its recognition of the apartheid Israeli regime. The anticipated restoration of ties marks a significant diplomatic shift in the region after decades of estrangement.