Reuters doesn't bother to explain why Iran considers Israel its "arch-enemy." This would lead them into a discussion of Islam and Islamic antisemitism, and there's no way they're getting into that. Nor do they tell readers why Egypt's approval of the Sharia constitution would lead to a thaw in relations with Iran, since the peace treaty with Israel is ostensibly still in force. Clearly the Iranians are aware that the Muslim Brotherhood's ascendancy in Egypt and the new constitution mean that the peace with Israel is not long for this world.
"Iran welcomes approval of new constitution in Egypt," from Reuters, December 23:
(Reuters) - Iran welcomed on Sunday initial results that showed the approval of an Islamist-backed constitution in Egypt, the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA) reported. The Islamist Muslim Brotherhood, which propelled Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi to power in a June election, said an unofficial tally showed 64 percent of voters backed the charter after two rounds of voting that ended with a final ballot on Saturday.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast congratulated the Egyptians on the approval of the constitution, adding that Tehran regarded it as "a decisive step towards democracy" in Egypt, according to ISNA.
Diplomatic relations between Tehran and Cairo broke down after Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution over Egypt's support for the overthrown shah and its peace agreement with Iran's arch-enemy Israel.
Since the fall of President Hosni Mubarak, there have been signs of warming relations. In August, Mursi made the first visit to Tehran by an Egyptian leader in more than 30 years. The two countries have not officially upgraded ties.
"People's participation (in the referendum) will be a great support for the Egyptian government so that in the future, it can take more steps in achieving the great Islamic and revolutionary goals of the Egyptian people," Mehmanparast added.
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