To state that the threat Iran poses to stability in the Middle East could drastically change the relations between Israel and the Arab countries, would perhaps be a bit too optimistic. Nor would it be realistic to argue that problems with Iran could indirectly lead to a solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict somehow. However, it would be correct to state that Iran’s reluctance to reach a compromise on a nuclear deal could considerably alter relations between countries in the region. Moreover, being in the same boat, Israel and the Arab countries might be forced to cooperate, if they intend to counterbalance Iran’s influence in the region. 

 It is important to point out to the pivotal role of Egypt in the process, as it currently is the only country in the Arab world, besides Jordan, that has full diplomatic relations with Israel. In the wake of the Peace Treaty of 1979, Egypt was the first Arab nation to recognize the state of Israel. Although, the peace between Egypt and Israel has often been referred to as a ‘cold peace’, recent improvement in relations between Egypt and the United States could positively affect Egyptian-Israeli relations. Furthermore, Iran has directly posed a threat to Egypt’s national security by assisting Hamas in smuggling weapons into Gaza via the Sinai and Sudan. Therefore, Egypt could and perhaps should play a vital role in facilitating dialogue between Israel and the Arab nations.

As well as Iran’s obstructive behavior to a nuclear deal and its unwillingness to ship its low enriched uranium out of the country, other recent developments in the region have further taken its toll on already strained relations between Iran and Arab countries, not in the least the much disputed re-election of Iran’s president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Currently, Saudi Arabia is fighting the Houthi rebels that are supported by the Iranian government, on its border with Yemen. Additionally, Iran continues to support other militant groups in the region such as Hezbollah and Hamas. Arguably, these and other developments, push Israel and the Arab countries to cooperate on matters such as security, and could possibly create room for establishment, or renewal of diplomatic relations. This is not to say that the issues with Iran are a positive development by any means. Indeed, the fact remains that it further jeopardizes peace and stability in the region. However, as Iran appears to pose a problem that concerns both Israel and the Arab nations, the two parties might finally find common interest, which is an important step towards better relations and stability in the Middle East in general.