Hamas attack: Iran’s expanding footprints across Arab world
Iran on Tuesday claimed that it played no role in the attack launched by Hamas last Saturday that took Israelis by surprise but there is no denying the fact that Tehran over the years has increased its support and appeal across the Arab world that is dominated by people who profess Sunni sect of Islam.
The world's biggest non-Sunni country has become a key factor in the West Asian fault lines creating its proxy groups in Lebanon and Yemen and backing Hamas to take on Israel over the last few decades. It is no secret that Tehran has exploited sentiments and presence of the Shia population in some Gulf states.
While the USA and Israel have not yet directly blamed Iran for the October 7 carnage, Tehran came out openly in support of Hamas for carrying out the attacks against Israel.
Hamas, however, reportedly maintains ties with other players in the Arab world including Qatar. Iran also maintains ties with Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza.
Iran has joined the Arabs and over the past few years appeared to be bigger champions of Palestine cause compared to traditional allies of the Palestinians.
Interestingly, Iran has better ties with Armenia rather than Azerbaijan, which has a Shia majority.
Iran traditionally enjoyed goodwill with the UAE and strong business ties with Dubai. Iran’s strong ties with Oman has helped it to avert full blown crisis with the USA with Muscat often playing role of mediator including this year.
Earlier this year hopes of peace emerged with Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to a deal brokered by China to normalize ties. While Saudi Crown Prince sought to move ahead of the Yemen campaign and focus on a modern state, Iran hoped to receive Saudi funds to boost ties.
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