Gulf nations concerned with increased Egypt-Iran ties

JP: 

The member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are concerned with Egypt's attempts to strengthen ties with Iran, Kuwaiti newspaper al Kabas reported on Sunday.

According to the report, several Gulf states have contacted Egypt's ruling Supreme Military Council recently to discuss Egypt's position in the region following February's ouster of Hosni Mubarak.
The reported quoted sources from the Gulf nations as saying attempts have been made to invest in Egypt and help the country financially, but Cairo has continued to call for tightening of relations with Iran.

Last week, Egypt denied a report that Iran had appointed an ambassador to Cairo, ending 30 years without diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Ties between the countries were severed in 1980 following Iran's Islamic revolution and Egypt's recognition of Israel.

There have been signs of warming relations since mass protests deposed Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak in February.

Egypt's foreign minister said earlier this month Cairo was ready to re-establish diplomatic ties, signaling a shift in Iran policy since the fall of Mubarak.

In February, two Iranian warships passed through Egypt's Suez Canal after approval from the military rulers in Cairo. Israel called Iran's move a provocation.