The former Director-General of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dore Gold, has declared that Iran’s attempts to expand its influence in North Africa was one of the reasons that prompted the US to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. In 2018, Morocco unveiled Iranian documents attesting that Tehran is arming and training the Polisario militias through its proxy Hezbollah group. Gold argues that Iran’s support for the Polisario Front is one of its many attempts to increase its influence in North Africa, which represents a security risk for the entire region. Iran’s interference in political affairs in North Africa are a direct indication of the country’s attempt to increase its influence in the region, the former diplomat stressed. He added that when the Polisario decided to work with Iran, a decision was taken to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, stressing that it is a “decision that perfectly makes sense”.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 05, 2021 12:00 UTC