The Relationship Between the Muslim Brotherhood and Iran: An Instrument in Regional Expansion

The relationship between the Muslim Brotherhood and Iran is a complex and multifaceted one, often characterized by a mix of ideological alignment and geopolitical pragmatism. Despite historical and doctrinal differences, particularly between Sunni and Shia Islam, both entities have found common ground in their opposition to Western influence and certain Middle Eastern governments. This alliance, though nuanced, has seen the Muslim Brotherhood serve as a tool in Iran's broader strategy for regional expansion.

The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt in 1928, and Iran, following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, share a fundamental opposition to Western hegemony and secular governance in the Middle East. While the Brotherhood is a Sunni Islamist organization and Iran a Shia-majority state, their mutual goals of establishing Islamic governance and resisting Western intervention have facilitated a pragmatic partnership.

Historically, the Brotherhood has shown support for Iran's revolutionary stance against Western powers and Israel. This ideological convergence provides a basis for cooperation despite their doctrinal differences. The relationship was notably evident during the 2011 Arab Spring, where both parties saw an opportunity to reshape the Middle Eastern political landscape in favor of Islamic governance.

Iran has strategically used the Muslim Brotherhood to further its regional ambitions. This relationship has been particularly evident in several key areas:

1. **Political Influence**: Iran has supported the Brotherhood's political activities in various countries. For instance, during the short-lived presidency of Mohamed Morsi in Egypt (2012-2013), Iran saw an opportunity to strengthen its influence in the region through an allied Islamist government. This support is part of Iran's broader strategy to cultivate alliances with non-state actors and sympathetic political movements to counterbalance Saudi and Western influence.

2. **Proxy Warfare**: In countries like Syria and Yemen, the Brotherhood's affiliates have played roles that align with Iranian interests. In Syria, although the Brotherhood initially opposed the Assad regime (an Iranian ally), the shifting dynamics of the Syrian Civil War have seen Iran leverage various Islamist groups to maintain its influence. Similarly, in Yemen, while the primary conflict is between the Houthi rebels (supported by Iran) and the Saudi-backed government, the Brotherhood’s local affiliates have occasionally found themselves in complex alliances that serve Iranian strategic interests.

3. **Ideological Propagation**: Iran has also utilized the Brotherhood's extensive network to propagate its revolutionary ideology. This is particularly evident in regions with significant Muslim populations where both entities promote anti-Western and anti-Israel sentiments. Such ideological propagation helps Iran in creating a favorable environment for its political and strategic objectives.

The relationship between Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood is not without its criticisms and controversies. Many Sunni-majority countries, particularly those allied with Saudi Arabia, view this alliance with suspicion and hostility. They accuse the Brotherhood of undermining regional stability and serving as a proxy for Iranian ambitions. This perception has led to significant political and military countermeasures against Brotherhood affiliates across the Middle East.

The relationship between the Muslim Brotherhood and Iran exemplifies a pragmatic alliance that transcends traditional Sunni-Shia divides, driven by mutual interests and geopolitical objectives. Iran’s strategic use of the Muslim Brotherhood as a tool for regional expansion underscores the complex interplay of ideology and realpolitik in the Middle East. By supporting the Brotherhood's political and militant activities, Iran enhances its influence across the region, challenging both Western and Saudi dominance. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for comprehending the broader geopolitical shifts and conflicts in the Middle East today.