The war waged against Iran by Israel and the United States comes as negotiations on Western Sahara are ongoing under the guidance of the United States and President Donald Trump. Washington, which has already acknowledged Morocco’s sovereignty over the territory, supports Rabat in this conflict. Apart from this initial constraint, Morocco’s stance is shaped by the strategic and economic partnership it has with the Trump administration on one hand, and with Israel since the normalization of bilateral relations in 2020.
These factors explain why Rabat condemned Iranian missile strikes on Gulf countries without expressing any reservations about the operation against Iran. Morocco’s attitude seems consistent, especially since during the so-called “12-day war” in June 2025, which pitted Israel against the United States and then Iran, Rabat did not issue any official statements.
An Ongoing Hostility towards the Islamic Republic
Morocco’s hostility towards Iran has a long history, dating back to 1980 when Iran under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeiny recognized the independence movement of the Polisario Front. The second rupture occurred in 2018 when Morocco severed diplomatic ties with Iran, accusing it of arming the Polisario Front. Therefore, it is not surprising that Moroccan political authorities referred to Iranian strikes on Gulf countries in March as “abhorrent,” considering it a blatant violation of national sovereignty and a direct threat to regional stability.
This position is not universally shared among Moroccan political parties. Some, like the Justice and Development Party (PJD) and the Democratic Left Federation (FGD), have issued statements condemning the attack on Iran. Others, such as the National Action Group for Palestine, wanted to hold a sit-in to denounce the American-Israeli aggression against Iran. However, gatherings were prevented by authorities, including the March 2nd demonstration in Tetouan organized by the Moroccan Front for Support to Palestine against normalization with Israel, which involved NGOs and political parties.
Washington and Tel Aviv, the King’s Best Allies
Despite dissenting voices, Rabat disregards them and stands in solidarity with the Gulf countries due to their strong ties. The benefits Morocco derives from its partnership with the United States and Israel explain the absence of condemnation for their bombings. In 2020, Donald Trump recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, prompting other nations like Spain and France to reconsider their positions. It was also the Trump administration that facilitated meetings this year in an effort to resolve the conflict by favoring Moroccan autonomy. Additionally, it supported Rabat in the historic vote on UN Resolution 2797, which recognized the Moroccan autonomy plan as the primary reference for resolving the conflict.
This support led to Morocco signing the Abraham Accords in 2020. Consequently, the Trump administration viewed Morocco as a stabilizing actor in North Africa and Africa, worthy of reward. Morocco was invited to join the Peace Council by Donald Trump and is expected to participate in the international stabilization force in Gaza by deploying soldiers.
The Potential Gas Card?
Keen on placating Donald Trump, Algeria sees the war as an opportunity to assert itself economically. If the conflict in the Middle East persists, Algeria, due to its proximity to Europe, could increase oil production to export to countries facing supply challenges. According to reports, Algeria might position itself as a strategic gas supplier to meet growing demand amid conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. Gas sales to Europe through pipelines under the Mediterranean could intensify. However, the feasibility of this plan is debatable given the state of the gas and oil sector’s productivity.
Algeria also aims to break out of diplomatic and strategic isolation caused by its dogmatic rigidity and inability to adapt to geopolitical shifts. Since 2021, Algeria has strained relations with several neighbors—Morocco in 2021, Spain in 2022 over the Western Sahara question, and France in 2024 for similar reasons. It also was at odds with the United Arab Emirates in the same year. Facing rejection in the Sahel, Algeria has struggled to influence the region’s geopolitical landscape. Gradually distancing from Russia, Algeria faces challenges in the Libyan conflict.
Acknowledging its isolation, Algeria pursues closer ties with Washington, reflecting its reluctance to participate in the UN vote on Western Sahara or condemn Israeli and US bombings.
An Exercise in Restraint Diplomacy for Tunisia
Similar to Algeria, Tunisia adjusts its stance towards Iran. President Kais Saied had developed close ties with Tehran in recent years. Both countries sought to collaborate on artificial intelligence technology. President Saied visited Tehran in May 2024 after the death of Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi. During the recent conflict, Tunisia refrained from condemning Israel or the US and instead urged wisdom and a return to negotiations.
Unlike Algeria, Tunisia allowed protests against Iran’s bombings, with demonstrators in the capital displaying Iranian and Palestinian flags along with portraits of Ali Khamenei. However, Tunis took steps to appease Washington by arresting members of a group planning to break the Gaza blockade.
Tunisia, like Algeria, faces constraints in voicing dissent against US policies, as its military receives American funding. Moreover, the country benefits from financial aid from Gulf states. Thus, Tunisia’s diplomatic space for asserting its independence is limited.
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