Isolated Algeria seeks Iran’s help as Trump applies ‘maximum pressure’

Algeria and Iran, two states in the same sinking boat, ask help from one another. That is the summary of a visit to Algeria by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a bid to foster their alliance, amid deepening isolation in their respective regions in a context marked by Trump administration’s pressure on both countries to halt destabilizing acts.

In Algiers, Abbas Araghchi, met his Algerian peer Ahmed Attaf with whom he discussed regional issues.

The talks took place the same day the US reaffirmed recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara and urged negotiations between all parties on the sole basis of the autonomy plan.

Araghchi’s visit to Algeria also comes amid worsening ties between Algeria and its southern neighbors, who accused the Algerian regime of backing terrorism, in a diplomatic showdown that is also indicative of tense ties between Algeria and its arms supplier, Moscow.

The visit takes place in a context of tense ties with key EU nations, such as France, which has also backed Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara.

Algeria, which has lost credibility in the east and the west as well as in Africa, is now seeking help from Iran, a country Trump has in sight for threatening US interests in the region through its support for armed proxies across the Middle East and in North Africa.

“Our Algerian brothers have stood unwaveringly alongside Iran during critical historical junctures and taken commendable steps to improve regional dynamics,” Iran’s foreign minister said as he met Attaf.

Algeria’s renewed interest in fostering alliance with Iran is a desperate move in a context where it is being ignored by global powers. After bowing to Putin in vain, offering to abandon the dollar, Algeria- through its ambassador to DC- expressed interest in forging a military alliance with the US, an offer that went unseen. Hosting the Iranian Foreign Minister once again proves the inconsistency of a regime that has become more isolated than ever.

As Trump exerts “maximum pressure” on the Iranian regime, Algeria is once again on the wrong side of history, seeking help from a drowning Iranian state.

Morocco has cut ties with Iran in 2018, accusing Tehran of offering training and arms to the Polisario militias. The Moroccan warnings were vindicated when key Polisario leaders admitted to have received arms from Iran through the once powerful Hezbollah proxies.

By choosing Iran as an ally and by using Iranian anti-Israel rhetoric, Algeria exposes itself to potential sanctions from the new US administration.